where did hong kong's smog go?
With low temperatures, grey clouds and rising floodwaters, I imagine that our recently departed former editor is wondering why exactly he decided to move back to the UK. For the first time, I think I am happy to say that I am glad to be in Hong Kong in July. The HKTB webcam (5pm) confirms our good fortune:
Indeed, Hong Kong is enjoying the highest number of "clear sky days" in nine years. And the skies are not just cloud-free, they are also (relatively) pollutant-free. Hong Kong Observatory data confirms the stark difference in average API (Air Pollutant Index) levels between 2006 and 2007. Whereas API levels were hovering around the 50s in July 2006, they are only in the 30s in 2007.
So where did the smog go? Environment Minister Edward Yau was quick to point to successful government measures (of which pollution convictions must be the most curious). Others point to prevailing winds. I personally suspect it might be something to do with Hongkong Electric's wind turbine. But whatever it is, let's hope the good times keep rolling! Technorati Tags: weather, hong+kong, smog
6 comments:
Too right - it's freezing here. I do believe though that a good day in HK pollution wise does not come anywhere near a good day in the UK in terms of air quality standards. I've been going on about the fresh air here ever since I got back - even in the wake of double decker buses. These here certainly are not black-smoke spewing monsters like most HK ones.
As for the pollution levels in Hk at present, I think that everyone is just feeling too hot to pollute and so are staying on the beach and not moving.
You will get withdrawal symptoms after a short while, I suspect!
The "smog" may be gone, but the pollution has not. As a lifelong allergy sufferer (thank you Hong Kong childhood) my sinuses are an excellent barometer of pollution particulates in the air. They're still here, and I venture to say, with greater vengeance than last year. Hong Kong is merely less cloudy this summer. But, hey, sunny pollution still beats overcast pollution!
Achoo, the particulates are still here, but they are no where near as high as they were last year. We should be thankful for that!
I grew up in HK too, and sffered from asthma for a long time. Like you and your sinuses, I suspect the two are probably connected.
Your photo reminds me of something I came across about air pollution in Shanghai when I was writing about the recent Live Earth concert:
http://responsiblechina.com/2007/07/06/live-earth-in-shanghai/
The guy has a "Oriental Pearl Tower Visibility Index." I'm sure Hong Kong could do the same thing with the Bank of China or something.
responsible china: The visibility index is a great idea. I'd love to see something official like that in HK -- the Bank of China Visibility Index! Great... Perhaps CNN could run it on their live morning show out of HK?
Sadly, HK has a Chief Executive who refuses to equate visibility with air pollution. He essentially claims there is no link. It's true, given high humidity etc., HK does suffer from 'sea fog', but much of the time this is just a cover-up for the dreaded smog!
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