Hong Kong officials are doing all the best that they can to provide residents the highest quality of life possible. As a matter of fact, the figures presented by the officials regarding the air quality of Hong Kong showed great improvements compared last year. This showed that the government is really taking an urgent action to alleviate the worries and fears of every resident in Hong Kong.
However, with all the efforts that they have done, an air that is killing Hong Kong's environment is seemingly stronger more than ever. This air is tagged as the 'Local Ozone Pollution'. What is its cause? And how could the government officials stop it?
Air Pollutions and Statistics
Just recently, experts revealed slight changes in the air records of Hong Kong. In comparison to 2013 and 2017, Hong Kong experienced a great fall in the average concentration of major pollutants in the air. These include nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These records showed some improvements in Hong Kong's quality of life.
However, the country is still experiencing a major deficiency in their air, due to an invisible and less popular pollutant present in the lower atmosphere - the ground-level ozone. This ozone is different from the toxic gas present in the atmosphere. This pollutant doesn't shield the planet from the ray of sun. And while the presence of other pollutants is getting low, this gas keeps getting stronger. In fact, this pollutant drastically increased to 20 percent, the highest record since 2013.
Experts are already making their own effort to study the said pollutant. They revealed that knowing the local ozone pollution deeply would help in finding a way to solve the problem. They also address their expertise in this kind of matter. Experts revealed that they still need more time to study and research this kind of pollutant.
Know The Enemy: Local Ozone Pollution
It was said that the local ozone pollution forms several hours unlike the usual. Two major reasons why this pollutant is present are the presence of Nitrogen Oxides and volatile organic compounds in the environment. Nitrogen Oxides are those emitted by vehicles and industrial entities while VOCs are found in paints, sealants and printing inks.
Government officials already found some minor remedies for this problem. News told that they already have control measures in releasing NOx and other elements that contribute to the increase of ozone concentrations. This measure would take some time before everyone would see its result.
