Under the close scrutiny of the world, China is hosting the Summer Olympic Games in a couple of weeks. China is also home to 16 of 20 of the worst cities in the world for air pollution, forcing them to take drastic measures in recent months to control the problem. Apart from bringing temporary awareness to the issue, the Summer Games are forcing the Chinese government for the first time to focus on a more eco-friendly way of life and to find solutions to their out-of-control carbon emissions. The promise of a major clean-up in Beijing helped win China this summer’s games as part of “Green Olympics.” But how does the country plan on fulfilling this promise?

Part of the plan to clean up the city and to manage the overwhelming amount of tourists and athletes descending there, is to power the Olympic venues with solar power. This will reduce the energy strain put on the city, and assist with providing a cleaner environment. Solar power is currently slated to light both indoor and outdoor venues at the games.

This is all well and great, but what happens after the excitement and anticipation of the games has passed? Although China has a major pollution and energy problem, they also have a high rate of poverty. Many of their citizens can’t even begin to consider switching to solar power within their homes. However, many of the measures being taken, such as a subway network that’s double in size and billions of dollars invested in waste treatment, clean water, and public transport, will benefit the future of Beijing, well beyond the Olympic games.

So how can this temporary revolution in thinking continue? China has already accepted European standards for emission levels in new cars, showing a willingness to take more action about the problem. This situation in China exemplifies the importance of increased research and progression in the application of solar power in businesses, residences, and transportation. China’s large population demonstrates the potential problems and deterioration of natural resources that occurs without proper measures taken for protection and renewal of resources.

The Olympics has proven to be a catalyst for enviromental change, with Beijing an example of one of the largest attempts to curb pollution in a single city.

Request free estimates from prescreened solar contractors in your area to do your part to make this world a cleaner place for future generations.

Posted on July 24th in Solar News by Anna.