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What's the future impact of pollution on athletics? - Jul 16, 2008 | 13:52:53
posted by: Marta Lawrence
China announced today the removal of tons of algae from the waters of the Olympic sailing venue. Some scientists blamed China's industrial waste and pollution for feeding the algae population. The algae clean-up is the latest in an on-going effort to make Beijing hospitable for its Olympic competitors. With poor air quality looming, many top athletes have expressed health concern over competing in the games. Haile Gebrselassie, the world record holder in the marathon, refused to participate citing concerns over the impact of pollution on his asthma. As populations and demand for energy continue to rise around the world, it's easy to wonder if athletics competition in the United States could begin to suffer due to high levels of pollution. According to the United Nations, China and the United States are the top two carbon polluters in the world, combining to account for more than one third of all carbon emissions. The photo that accompanies this article was taken from images produced in 2008. At the time of this writing, more than 30 cities in the United States have declared an Air Action Day. Air Action Days are called when the air quality index reaches an unhealthy level. You can see how your city compares by going to the government's air quality Web site, www.airnow.gov. Last week, the G-8 Summit leaders pledged to share a "vision" for a low-carbon economy, saying they will work to cut carbon emissions in half by 2050. The move has been sharply criticized by environmental groups, however, because they say the pledge lacks teeth. With no firm international commitments by the leaders of the eight most powerful countries in the world, can we really expect our air quality to remain hospitable for athletics competition? 
CommentsNo, all forms of sport will be held indoors - or in space. Obviously, cities like LA and Beijing have lots and lots of pollution. But, how much more pollution is added to those cities when they put on the Olympics? For that matter, how big of a carbon footprint is left in any sport let alone a major sporting event like the Euro Cup, (name cannot be said due to NFL) Bowl, or World Series? My guess is that football is head and shoulders above any major sport polluter. Well, unless there's a Leave a Giant SUV in Idle Until it Runs Out of Gas League. Please take a look at my latest article on Beijing Pollution vs. Athletes' Health, including a fine Photo Essay by URL: http://www.opednews.com/articles/2/Australia-Only-Nation-Comp-by-Stephen-Fox-080715-166.html Make no mistake: some athletes and several spectators will collapse and expire in Beijing's Smog. What a horrible way and place to die! Thanks, Well, when the American bikers attempted to protect themselves from the awful, evil smog in Beijing, the Chinese government's feelings were hurt. These people have spent their entire lives training for one event. If their lung capacity is affected by the quality of air in Beijing - and I mean no insult to China when I say that the air in Beijing, as in many major cities, is filthy - then they are only exercising common sense. I understand that much of what occurs in the Olympics is an issue of international political importance (go here for 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics ebooks, which include books about the role the Olympics have played in world politics). However, the Chinese government - and all governments - should work on cleaning up polluted cities rather than taking umbrage at athletes protecting themselves from the pollution. Post a Comment |
  
It means that two very good teams with very good coaches made it to the final game.
- Marie
   
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