Smog Threatens Games
11/08/2008 06:59
Beijing needs some luck with weather to stay on schedule, UN official says
BEIJING - The smog hanging over Beijing is becoming so bad that the International Olympic Committee may have to consider postponing or shifting events.
Achim Steiner, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said Saturday that Beijing is "struggling at the moment to keep within the range of the weather conditions that they have committed for the quality for the athletes." While air quality hasn't fallen to the level where events have to be rescheduled, Steiner said Beijing needs the luck of some wind and rain over the next few days to clear the inversion of bad air that is stuck over the city.
"A little bit of wind, a little bit of rain, can change the numbers significantly," he said. "And I hope that bit of luck will also be part of the next few days." No rain is forecast until Monday. Today, Beijing residents awoke to a light rain. Visibility was not a problem, although the levels of humidity and smog continue to plague officials.
"At the moment, the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing organizing committee, and the whole Olympic movement are clearly watching the numbers," said Steiner.
More from the Ottawa Citizen.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
With all due respect to the IOC, I’m beginning to think Beijing was a very poor choice to host these Olympic Games.