In our past few posts, we have indicated that China is one of the most polluted countries in Asia. Today, let us dive in to see what actions has China taken to address this serious problem of air pollution that they have.
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across this article posted by The Smart Local, titled Chengdu has a beautiful “green corridor” of plants along its road to decrease air pollution. The title and image of this article immediately caught my attention and I went “Woah”.
To summarise, the article talks about China planting green ivy plants along the streets in Chengdu in 2013 with the aim to decrease air pollution. Meanwhile, Boston ivy plants were planted on structures to increase green spaces in Chengdu. Today, the plants are still growing and cover the entire structure which is more than 28km long. Not only does the ivy plants reduce air pollution and increase green spaces, it helps to regulate the surrounding temperature and provide a refreshing feeling to the commuters.
I really have to applaud China for coming up with such a fantastic solution. It’s really something new. However, the same could not be said for another project that took place in 2018, Chengdu, China.
With the same aim of reducing air pollution in China in mind, a “vertical forest” apartment was built. However, the maintenance of the apartment that is without tenants, was left unattended. Thus creating fertile breeding grounds for all insects, especially mosquitoes. Because of this, tenants were forced to evacuate. Their dream forest has just turned into a forest nightmare. However, with better and improved maintenance, I have no doubts that this project can achieve its aim of improving air quality in Chengdu.
Contrasting the two projects, we can learn that all solutions may have good intentions but whether the solution has continuous follow-up and maintenance is another thing. Nevertheless, I am glad that countries like China are taking steps to mitigate air pollution, which shows that they really do recognize the importance of reducing air pollution and the effects of air pollution.
Stay tuned for more interesting ways that we can help reduce air pollution!
Your environmental buddy,
Jeanice
References:
N.A. (2019). Picture of a street covered with plants. [Online Image]. Facebook. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/chinadaily/photos/pcb.10157333717516291/10157333713236291/
Kirdsaeng, P. (2020, July 24). Chengdu Has A Beautiful “Green Corridor” Of Plants Along Its Roads To Decrease Air Pollution. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/chengdu-green-corridor/
Kirdsaeng, P. (2020, September 22). Chinese Residents Forced To Move Out Of “Dream” Forest Apartment Thanks To Mosquito Swarms As Neighbours. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/forest-apartment-mosquitoes/
WTF. (2020). Vertical Forest Estate In China Attracted Plagues Of Mosquitos. [Online Image]. 9gag. Retrieved from: https://9gag.com/gag/a0NMX6z