IBM to try to control Beijing's air pollution

IBM has announced that it will use the latest technologies to try and combat Beijing's chronic problem with air pollution.

China's ongoing problem with pollutants could start to decrease as a new project, led by IBM, seeks to predict and control air quality in Beijing.

Using the latest computing technologies, the tech firm will try and combat the high levels of air pollution from millions of cars, factories, fossil fuel burning power plants, and the pollution coming from surrounding cities.

However, in spite of the complexity of the matter, IBM thinks it can accurately map the issue with computer modelling, which will be the first step to significantly reducing the problem.

The Chinese capital is home to more than 21 million people and is one of the nation's largest municipalities. However, various reports have shown that high levels of pollutants in the air is causing health problems, as it is often at a hazardous level.

Dr Xiaowei Shen, director of IBM Research China, said: “The Chinese government is taking bold steps to transform the country’s energy and environmental structures. IBM is here to help and through Green Horizon we are committed to deploying our most advanced technologies and best talent from around the world.”

China already uses technology to inform residents about the levels of air pollution but the new project could incorporate the latest features. Using computers to tackle climate change may not be a new concept, but the so-called Green Horizon project hopes to bring improved designs tailored towards Beijing and pinpoint the exact sources of high pollution.

“China has made great achievements and contributed much to the world’s economic growth over the past 30 years. It now has an opportunity to lead the world in sustainable energy and environmental management,” said DC Chien, chairman and chief executive, IBM Greater China Group. 

He said China can "leverage IBM’s most advanced information technologies" to help "transform its energy infrastructures in parallel with its growth".