Pollution in Beijing climbed as high as 24 times the level recommended by the World Health Organization on New Year's Day. The city government said it would take measures to prevent further pollution from air pollution, including banning outdoor burning of firecrackers and other fireworks during the holiday. The Chinese government's highest pollution warning has been issued by 24 cities in northern China as a result of smog from increased coal-burning during winter.
Pollution in Beijing climbed as high as 24 times the level recommended by the World Health Organization on New Year's Day. Due to the smog, more than 100 flights were cancelled and all intercity buses were halted at the captial's airport, while in neighbouring city Tianjing, more than 300 flights were cancelled and all highways closed. The Chinese government's highest pollution warning has been issued by 24 cities in northern China as a result of smog from increased coal-burning during winter.