Recently, our country is in a fine dust caution, and prevention in full swing, similar environmental problems are rising in China. That is China’s smog. China’s former CCTV anchor, Chai jing, who produced an environmental documentary, ‘Under the Dome’, became a worldwide sensation as well as in China.
  Chai Jing, who made the film, has said that it was inspired by the birth of her daughter who had to undergo an operation for a tumor before her parents were even able to look at her. The operation was successful and the tumor was removed, but she tried to find the reason why her daughter had a brain tumor. Soon, she figured out that she had become pregnant when she had been to four towns full of smog on business in January 2013. Therefore, she concluded that the reason of her daughter’s tumor was smog.
  Besides making the documentary, she made an effort to inform about the evils of smog. She reported on the behaviors of companies that are disregarding the protection of the environment, and she expressed the environmental protection department’s difficulties. The day when the film was posted, it reached 100 million views online. Since then, China’s main presses rushed to cover up Chai Jing. In the 3rd conference of the National People’s Congress, which was held on March 5th, Li Keqiang said, “To solve the environmental pollution that spoils the lives of people, we will do our best.” In good measure, the Chinese government suggested the reinforcement of the environmental protection law, pollutant intensive control and reduction of coal use and the expansion of renewable energy use.
  Four days later, however, the Chinese government and press completely changed their attitude. Even after the day of the Li Keqiang’s remarks, China’s video site ‘Youku’ and portal site ‘Teongswin’ blocked the link access to the documentary. The Chinese press pointed out, “This documentary helped many people know about the serious problem,” and “The government has to be responsible about the air pollution and respond to people’s concerns.”
  England, which is called the city of fog, is also having environmental pollution caused by smog. The most famous example is the London smog accident. In total 12,000 people died in only a week due to the severe air pollution episode. The London smog accident was recorded as Britain’s worst air pollution ever. Buildings, except factories, are mainly responsible for the accident. The case became an occasion to raise the awareness of all countries.
  One thing that is sure is that there are almost no chances of improvement in air pollution within a short period of time. The best way of getting better is firstly improving our pollution and helping China. Like the China Environment Protection Department’s slogan against air pollution, “Let’s breathe with and fight,” we need to work together.

By Choi Ji-su

js36@cbnu.ac.kr