Question

Use the information to complete the sentence.

In a report issued by the European Satellite Agency in September (2005), Beijing and its environs (surrounding area) in northeast China were named as having the world's highest levels of nitrogen dioxide, a key smog gas originating from power plants, heavy industry, and vehicle emissions.

The excerpt supports the conclusion that increased industrialization in China has

a) damaged regional air quality.

b) improved national health care.

c) reduced military readiness.

d) increased democratic reform.

Answer 1

The provided information indicates that increased industrialization in China has damaged regional air quality, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide contributing to severe smog that affects visibility and public health.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the information provided about the high levels of nitrogen dioxide in Beijing and its surrounding areas, as noted by the European Satellite Agency report, it supports the conclusion that increased industrialization in China has damaged regional air quality. Nitrogen dioxide, which comes from power plants, heavy industry, and vehicle emissions, contributes to smog levels that affect visibility and public health. In addition to the smog, the prevalence of other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and lead, primarily from industrial processes, further exacerbates the air quality problems in urban centers like Beijing. Residents of these areas have resorted to wearing air-filter masks and independently measuring pollution levels due to mistrust in government reports, indicating a severe impact on everyday life.