Will China Continue to Go Green after the Beijing Olympics?

With the 2008 Olympics drawing nearer, China is in a frenzy to show the world that they’re clean and green. But check out this picture, snapped this morning in Tiananment Square:

That’s not misty rain or morning fog, my friends. That’s smog you’re seeing, for the most part (although it looks like it might be drizzling as well).

Look, we all knew that China’s green-ness was…questionable at best. China, when vying for the bid for the Olympics seven years ago, insisted that Beijing’s air quality would pass World Health Organization standards, though. Clearly, that’s not happening. They’re in a frenzy, restricting driving in the city and taking other measures to reduce air pollution, but this past Friday, the air pollution index was 110. (read more here)

For reference, anything above 100 is potentially dangerous to children, seniors, and anyone with allergies or asthma.

Even on Sunday a week ago, a day when people aren’t traditionally traveling as much, the air pollution index was at 55. The BBC tested the air over a week earlier this month and found that the quality was below WHO standards six days out of seven. One day, it was SEVEN TIMES the WHO’s standards.

Many athletes are backing out of the games, worried that they’ll perform poorly or compromise their health in this environment. Sure, it isn’t ALL about breaking records, but I don’t blame them for doing what is best for their bodies. The wether is not helping things, but Beijing had seven years to clean up their act. Now, a few weeks from the big event, they’re finally choosing to do something.

The United States is no stranger to poor air quality. Just look at Los Angeles – that city is still trying to clean up, and will be for decades, maybe even centuries. The problem here is that I question China’s commitment to continue cleaning their air after the Olympics are over. It’s like the child who is sweet and innocent when his parents are watching, but a total terror for the babysitter. The world is watching, so China is doing what they can to be as green as possible. Greenwashing at its finest? Perhaps.

With so many other problems in the world, even in China itself, I doubt that the UN or WHO is going to go after any one country with any kind of real “clean up or else” threat. However, keep in mind that the health of China affects the health of the whole world. There are no borders in the air, and currents will carry those pollutants around the globe.

If you do business in China, consider pulling contracts for companies without green products in place. In fact, that should go for all of your business dealings, both nationally and internationally. If your business truly is committed to going green, you have to open your eyes to others’ policies as well.

Picture via Newscom.