In 2016, the same Korean Government teamed with NASA in a joint venture to investigate and track the behavior and flow of fine dust particles, in particular PM2.5. NASA planes followed the fine dust for months and collected samples at various altitudes. Together with South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), they developed a model that answered the questions that everyone was asking.

In 2018, the findings were announced to the Korean Government. NASA scientist and Program Manager, Barry Lefer, reported, “Our conclusion was that the local emissions are a strong source of ozone and small particles. The model said that over half of the air pollution is coming from local sources and the rest is coming from other countries.” (emphasis mine)

The findings of this lengthy and expensive experiment confirmed the fine dust particle pollution was a problem in which South Korea had an equal, if not greater share. These expert findings, by Korean and NASA authorities, have been largely ignored or replaced with circumstantial speculation. Consequently, most Koreans have been given reason to believe that China is largely responsible for Korea’s pollution.

…

China, by contrast, has responded to its air quality dilemma with reforms and radical government restructuring. While on first impression this may “seem too little too late,” independent experts have confirmed there is significant change. According to University of Chicago research, China has already reduced its pollution in some areas by 42 percent.

While China still has a long way to go and much to answer for, it is still moving in a forward direction. Having churned out an appalling amount of pollution into the atmosphere, China is now committed to building an “ecological society”. What is more astounding is that previously cynical experts say that it looks to be working.

Continue Reading at The Korea Times…