Continuing discrepancies in Beijing data

Beijing has started to record PM2.5 pollutants in the city as the Chinese begin an overhaul of their data collection methods, but early results still show discrepancies with US data, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

Early measurements from Monday morning showed that pollution levels were at 'moderate' according to Beijing readings, which registered at around 30 micrograms per cubic meter. However, US readings showed readings of 66 micrograms per cubic metre, which is considered an 'unhealthy' level.

The data discrepancies data can be attributed to several factors. For example, the monitoring locations are on opposite sides of the city. The US is on the more congested eastern side, whereas Beijing's government releases measurements from western Xicheng district.

Gaining accurate data readings seems to be the first step in a long process for the Asian country. Hao Jiming, director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at TsinghuaUniversity recently commented that accurate recording processes in the country could take several years, and is bound to kick off a long, brutal fight.

Posted by Lauren Steadman