China To Shut More Factories For Games

Reuters reports that China will shut 40 more factories for the period of the games in an attempt to reduce the problem of pollution which has received so much coverage in recent months.

These factories are some 70 miles from the capital and will be closed from July 25th to September 20th. So by the looks of it they're taking the problem very seriously.

The thing is, I'm no pollution expert, but doesn't pollution hang around for a while? Will this be enough?

There's also talk of the local population suffering in the name of the games - with forced evictions etc. What about the economic implications of these factories closing? Will the workers receive compensation? Will they have to take obligatory holidays?

On a more positive note. Earlier this week, cars that don't meet the emissions standards won't be allowed into Beijing and from July 20th the city will launch traffic control measures which will take 3 million cars off the road by using the odd, even plate system.

I think someone's getting through to them!