Guide Note

Beijing pollution, specifically as it effects the air quality and water supply, has become a major concern in anticipation of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.¹

Fast Facts

1. Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China (SEPA) established to oversee environmental issues²
2. Most pollution generated by construction debris, car exhaust and industrial waste³
3. One-third of water samples received the absolute worst pollution rating⁴
4. New legislation targets executives of polluting companies⁵
5. Executives eligible for fines up to 1/3 of their previous year's salary⁵
6. New law allows pollution victims to file class action lawsuits, the first legislation of its kind in China⁶

The Chinese Government claims that water and air pollution will be safely within acceptable levels by the time of the Olympics Games. However, the International Olympic Committee has said that events like cycling and distance running may be delayed due to pollution. Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie withdrew from the marathon on March 10, 2008 citing concerns over pollution levels.⁷