An American astronaut from the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) tweeted an astounding picture of the sky over a section of Asia on January 7, Thursday. Kelly snapped the photo while on the International Space Station (SS), and observed a major difference on the left side of the picture, which shows air pollution forming a foggy haze over a large portion of Asia.
Beijing recently announced its second air pollution "red alert." Independent research group Berkley Earth reports that air pollution daily kills an average 4,000 people in China, according to KCTV5. It compared the air quality to each person in China smoking 1.5 cigarettes every hour.
The Chinese capital created the red alert system in 2013, according to CNBC. Its goal is for people to stay indoors during days when the air pollution reaches unsafe levels.
On December 7 of last year the first red alert was issued. The second one was issued around the middle of the month.
When Beijing issues red alerts, several city-wide limits are enforced. They involve outdoor construction sites, industrial plants, schools, and car use.
The second red alert advised people to stay indoors for four days. Beijing also restricted the amount of auto traffic allowed on roads.
Recently China's citizens have become more vocal about the national government taking steps to reduce air pollution. It is also having a negative effect on the country's economic growth.
In response the government has been using air quality-monitoring tech for a few years. The two red alerts could be a sign that it will also soon make policy or legal changes.
Last year the United Nations Climate Change Conference known as COP21 took place in Paris from November 30 to December 12. The goal was to create a universal legally-binding agreement to keep global warming under 2 C.
Many of the world's mayors spoke at the Paris climate talks. Studies show that city activities are responsible for over 70 percent of energy-linked carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has used several sustainability programs to battle climate change. They include tax credits for electric cars, and installing solar panels in almost 30 fire stations and recreation centers.