Aug 24th, 2008 · The Beijing Olympics got off to a rocky start with talk about pollution and censorship and fakery at the glittering opening ceremony. But once the games began, transcendent performances by athletes gave the games a big boost. NPR's Frank Langfitt wraps up the Olympics during the closing ceremony.
Aug 20th, 2008 · In an effort to curb air pollution for the Olympics, more than 250 factories in Beijing and nearby towns like Tangshan have been shuttered temporarily. Some factory workers are on vacation for the first time in 20 years.
Aug 15th, 2008 · A global study shows the number of "dead zones" — areas of ocean with too little oxygen for most marine life — has increased by one-third since 1995. In the latest issue of the journal Science, researchers say these polluted waters are the leading threat to life in coastal oceans.
Aug 8th, 2008 · The opening ceremony is underway in Beijing amid pollution, protests and impressive pomp-and-circumstance. More than 91,000 visitors are in attendance.
Aug 5th, 2008 · Fort Worth, Texas, has become the focus of the largest urban gas-drilling boom in the U.S. But residents are starting to demand answers from energy companies on problems related to noise, pollution and pipeline safety. Chesapeake Energy has responded with an unprecedented media campaign to burnish its image and calm the critics.
Aug 1st, 2008 · Ahead of the Olympics, Beijing cab drivers have a lot to adjust to; they have to navigate the new traffic rules put in place to lessen air pollution and traffic congestion and deal with restriction on how they dress and even what they eat. Many are trying to learn English so they can interact with visitors.
Aug 1st, 2008 · The summer Olympics begin on Aug. 8 — will Beijing's air be in shape for the games? The polluted city has taken drastic action to try to reduce smog during the events, shuttering some factories and adopting measures to limit the number of cars on the road.
Jul 29th, 2008 · China is considering further measures to reduce pollution in Beijing, with less than two weeks to go before the start of the Olympic Games. Even after authorities took half the cars off the street, the city is still shrouded in smog.