Beijing experienced 22 "blue sky" days, or days with fairly good
air quality, last month. That was the best run of clear days since
the year 2000. Beijing Environment Protection Administration
authorities said that persistent cold air was the major factor that
kept the air clear, since updrafts and northerly winds helped
disperse pollutants.
Another factor was the closure of more heavily-polluting
industrial facilities in or near the capital, with 10 major
polluting facilities having been closed. Desulfurization projects
are under way at several other facilities.
Beijing had 20 "blue sky" days in January 2007 and 245 such days
for the whole year.
This year, the Olympic host city aims to have 70 percent of the
days up to standard, which means there should be at least 256 "blue
sky" days.
The capital city launched its "blue sky" drive in 1998.
(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2008)