The official Xinhua news agency in China says that as many as 8 million people in northern China are short of water due to droughts in that country. Liaoning is experiencing the worst drought in 30 years, and in Mongolia cattle are dying for lack of grass to eat. In southern China torrential rains have killed at least 76 people.

Beijing is known for its poor air quality and occasional dry periods. The summer Olympics takes place there next year.

“Beijing officials will withdraw one million cars from the city’s streets next month in a trial run as plans are drawn up to reduce pollution levels for next year’s Olympics.”

For the 2008 Olympics, China announces the use of hormone-free feed for pigs to ensure food quality and to prevent false-positive doping tests. The widespread use of antibiotics and growth stimulants to increase food is common in China. In response, the government has promised a food quality crackdown.

Air quality is one of the major issues facing China for the 2008 Olympics. Australian’s Olympic chief, John Coates, has already advised Australian athletes to delay their arrival because of this concern.

Beijing has taken millions of cars off the road in an attempt to test if air quality can be improved in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. After the forth day of testing, the city reports that it has seen four “blue-sky days.” However, some are still skeptical.

Beijing’s rowing and conoeing venues for the 2008 Olympics are running dry. As a result, water is being diverted from a willow-lined river northeast of Beijing to replenish them.

“Beijing’s contingency plans to battle pollution for the 2008 Olympics are based on extensive scientific study and will prove effective in providing clean air for the Games, a senior advisor to the organisers said.”

GLOBE-Net

Sustainability is a key issue for the Olympics according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As a result, Beijing has developed a comprehensive sustainability agenda and making every effort to make the event “green.”

Planet Ark

Beijing has spent 140 billion yuan (US$20.34 billion) towards environmental cleanup in preparation for the Olympics. Some of the “green moves” include: switching from coal to gas; closing or relocating heavy polluters; targeting private cars; greening the transport system; covering dust from construction; recycling water; and controlling sandstorms.

Reuters

Beijing will plant more than 40 million potted flowers around Olympic venues and city streets, including special “heat-resistant” strains capable of withstanding the Chinese capital’s baking summer temperatures.