Download
With heavy smog expected in central and eastern China from Thursday to Saturday, the country's meteorological authorities are calling for a ban on fireworks, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Chinese people traditionally set off ear-splitting firecrackers during the holiday in the belief that they will ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead. But authorities say the use of fireworks will greatly contribute to air pollution.
"Firecrackers and fireworks can release large amounts of toxic gas and particles such as sulfur dioxide, which will cause severe air pollution regionally," said Chen Zhenlin, spokesman of the China Meteorological Administration, at a news conference on Tuesday.
Sales of fireworks in Beijing have been flat since last Saturday and the three major fireworks companies in the capital are not optimistic about this year's sales figures.
"Firecrackers seem to be gradually losing their public appeal for the holiday celebrations," said Wu Liyu, head of the Beijing Fireworks Co, a State-run company. "We have reduced the number of fireworks in the city by roughly 13 percent this year and we are not confident all of our fireworks in stock will be sold."
According to Beijing's air quality data, the level of PM 2.5 particles has surged dramatically in recent years. On Chinese New Year Eve two years ago, there were 1,486 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter. The World Health Organization considers PM 2.5 levels to be safe when they are below 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
Chen said the China Meteorological Administration will issue a four-alert fireworks index on Thursday that will be updated every day during the Chinese New Year. The index indicates the level of smog in the air, with red, the highest alert, warning residents that there will be heavy smog and advising them not to set off any fireworks.
According to the most recent weather forecast by the China Meteorological Administration, a cold snap is expected after Sunday in many parts of the country.
Snow is unlikely to fall in the capital, which usually has a dry winter with little to no snow this time of the year, said Wang Xiuwen, the China Meteorological Administration's chief forecaster.
She said because of the dry conditions in Beijing, there is a chance for fires, especially when fireworks are set off.
Questions:
1. Why do Chinese weather officials want to ban fireworks for Spring Festival?
2. The China Meteorological Administration will issue a four-alert fireworks index during the festival. What will it indicate?
3. Who is Chen Zhenlin?
Answers:
1. They can cause severe air pollution.
2. The level of smog in the air.
3. Spokesman for the China Meteorological Administration.
About the broadcaster:
Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.
精读雅思阅读文章需要注意的三个层次
雅思阅读考试高分36计
雅思阅读精读夺天下 别跟感觉走
三招破解雅思阅读细节信息配对题
雅思阅读辅导:Clemmons的风筝理论
雅思阅读指导之思路及考点
雅思阅读辅导:浮法玻璃产品的新变化
浅析雅思阅读中的skimming和scanning
雅思阅读辅导:迁移养蜂经验
雅思阅读考试的12条实用技巧介绍
雅思阅读考试的三篇文章中哪篇最难?
雅思阅读考试的猜词绝招介绍
雅思阅读高分备考必备的"软硬件"
雅思阅读精选:加州小狐狸的"绝处逢生"
雅思阅读辅导:锚式擒纵机构的优势
雅思阅读辅导:火箭的发展过程
雅思阅读技巧:万能标记法
雅思阅读辅导:埃及人利用风筝
雅思阅读八大题型解题技巧详细阐述
雅思阅读辅导:美国空中交通管制区域的划分
雅思阅读备考需从哪几方面下手?
雅思阅读辅导:迁移养蜂的好处
解读雅思阅读备考的四大误区
七招搞定雅思阅读的生词拦路虎
名师指点雅思阅读的全方位备考方法
如何打破雅思阅读7分瓶颈
雅思阅读常见题型组合及解题对策
雅思阅读段落标题配对题的6个特点
雅思阅读辅导:火箭弹的相关发明
搞定雅思阅读必须掌握的四个方面
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |