Levels of smog in the Chinese capital have been a source of concern for many years, and although Beijing 2008 was also billed as a way to reduce the problem, the situation has only improved minimally.

Average levels of airborne particles, known as PM2.5 was 85.9 micrograms per cubic metres in 2014, in comparison to 35mcg for China as a whole, with aims to reduce levels to 60mcg by 2017.

Beijing 2022 media and communications director Wang Hui has claimed the Government is spending CNY¥47 billion (£5 billion/$7.5 billion/$7 billion) to try to fight the pollution problem. 

"The measures we have taken are the toughest," she said.

"The Government is spending CNY¥47 billion to fight smog.

"It's not only for the bid, it's for the people who live here who can breath cleaner air,

"I think this is a fact - Beijing's air at the moment has a problem, we all know it, this is a problem that we have great determination to resolve." 

Air pollution was also a problem for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics
©Getty Images



Air pollution is a challenge for both remaining contenders in the two-horse race for the 2022 Games, with former Kazakhstan capital Almaty, inspected by the IOC Evaluation Commission last month, having also experienced problems.

Wang, though, insisted no special measures had been taken to reduce levels ahead of this inspection, such as emergency shut-downs of factories, something which has occurred before when major international events are held in Beijing, 

The official also claimed the Chinese bid is "perfectly aligned to and highly consistent with the principles of the Olympic Agenda 2020", a core strength of Almaty's bid.

The bidding themes are "athlete-centred, sustainable and economical", Wang claimed, as well compactness within, rather than between, the three major Games hubs of Yanqing, where Alpine skiing and sliding sports would be held, the other mountain sport venue at Zhangjiakou, and the ice sports venue 190km away in the capital itself.

"While we welcome the delegation of the IOC Evaluation Commission in Beijing, we will demonstrate our desire to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games and the benefits that Beijing as a host city will bring to the Olympic Movement, in line with the Olympic Agenda 2020 principles," Wang said.

"We have prepared for the Evaluation Commission visit in strict compliance with the IOC's requirements and we are working hard to leave a good impression on the Evaluation Commission."

Snow sports during Beijing 2022 are due to take place 190 kilometres away in Zhangjiakou, although it is claimed a high-speed rail link will mean this can be covered in an hour 
©Beijing 2022



That visit here by the Commission, led by Russia's Alexander Zhukov, is due to last until Saturday (March 28), with reports on both Almaty and Beijing due to be released on June 1.

Almaty were granted an additional fortnight to make changes following their inspection last month and it is possible the same extension will be granted to Beijing 2022. 

A final decision as to which city will host the 2022 Games is then due to be made at the IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur on July 31.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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