
2013 Beijing air pollution crisis
The 2013 Beijing air pollution crisis was marked by severe smog episodes that severely reduced air quality, often exceeding health safety thresholds. Contributing factors included rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and weather conditions that trapped pollutants. The crisis highlighted the health risks associated with high particulate matter (PM2.5) levels and prompted government actions to improve air quality, such as stricter emissions controls and pollution reduction initiatives. This event underscored the urgency of addressing air pollution to protect public health and encouraged greater awareness of environmental management efforts in China.