The solutions to air pollution are straightforward but they require government action: quit coal, establish clear, strict air quality standards and introduce effective policy instruments to control the huge number of vehicles on the roads.

Admittedly, these solutions are the most effective yet they take a long time to achieve the end result. While we’re waiting for the short-term, there are many intermediate solutions that do not require a sharp-cut on the national coal consumption:

• Make complete air quality information easily available to the public.
• Tighten the controls for power plant emissions to reduce emissions.
• Introducing cleaner fuel standards and switching to electric vehicles.
• Restrict the construction of power plants and other energy-intensive industries near residential areas.
• Improve urban planning to increase green spaces.
• Take air quality into consideration when conducting environmental assessments for major projects.

Of course, as individuals, we can also put our effort in curbing air pollution. After all, we’re also responsible for the air we breathe. CO₂ is the main air pollutant; lowering its emission is a great help of our sick planet. Starting from today, try more public transportation while reducing the use of vehicles. Stop using artificial sprays. Value our resources by reusing and recycling them. Be friend with your own shopping bags and say NO to plastic bags.

Big things start from small things. Air pollution is well a big issue but together with our effort, we can turn the smoky sky into a pure and clean one again.