The Summer Olympic Games in Beijing kicked off on August 8 amidst competition, national pride and a Blue Sky day. Well, a ŒBlue Sky day‚ according to Beijing standards. The Detroit Free Press reports that only one percent of China‚ urban dwellers breathe air that is safe according to European norms. Accordingly, many athletes are training outside Beijing, and some have caused a stir by wearing masks.
While the world has questioned Beijing‚s environmental preparation since the city won its Olympic bid in 2001, the games have, thus far, been a success. The opening ceremonies were an amazing sight, offering a glimpse into the complexity of modern China's culture, customs and rapid gallop into the 21st century. Since the Chinese began modernizing with free market reforms in the late 1970s, the nation's economy has increased tenfold, and the percentage of people living in poverty has fallen dramatically.
Yet, this strong growth has laid bare the difficulties inherent in balancing rapid development with sound environmental policy.