On Monday, Dec. 7, smog levels in Japan reached dangerous levels in Beijing, People’s Republic of China (PRC), causing them to issue an “Orange Alert”, the penultimate alert level. Schools were closed, and outside activity was completely restricted, along with any activity that causes pollution.

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“[The PRC] is in a dangerous position. Also, climate change is real! Though, I’ve heard India has more pollution.” freshman Cajun McKenney said.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the alert rose to the highest level, a Red Alert. This lasted for two days. The smog most likely comes from an increase in carbon dioxide emissions during the winter months, when wood and coal are increasingly burned to keep warm in tandem with the multitude of large factories and power plants.

“What is going on is very dangerous and makes us think [about] what will happen to us in the near future,” junior Sabryna Gonzalez said.

Pollution has gotten worse and worse over the years in the PRC. Regardless of the PRC being one of the most heavily-polluted countries, other nations are not exempt from the disastrous effects of industrially-produced smog.