Beijing Urges Citizens to Take Steps to Cut Pollution for Olympics

As the prospect of a pollution-plagued Olympics looms, the Beijing government is exhorting city residents to use bicycles and trains instead of cars as a “civic duty.” The city government ran an open letter in state newspapers as part of an anti-pollution push that will see 45 percent of cars banned from the roads starting July 20, with odd- and even-numbered license plates banned on alternate days. Beijing’s anti-pollution measures also include a construction ban, a 50 percent decrease of government cars on the road, and many factory closures. As Olympic officials ponder postponing endurance events because of concerns about athletes’ health, Beijing, which hosts the games Aug. 9-24, is putting greater moral pressure on citizens, reminding them of “our solemn pledge to the international community.” China’s top environmental official warned last week that favorable air conditions could only be guaranteed if emissions stayed within current trends.