Chinese authorities have ordered some 2,100 highly polluting factories to shut down in attempt to ease the hazardous levels of smog currently chocking parts of the country, AFP reported Dec. 1, citing state-run media. In certain parts of the country, the concentration of PM 2.5 — microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs — have soared to nearly 24 times the maximum level deemed safe by the World Health Organization. Airlines also canceled more than 30 flights out of Beijing and Shanghai. Emissions often spike from increased coal burning during the winter months. The pollution crisis comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is joining other world leaders at a major U.N. climate summit in Paris. Environmentalism has become a potential source of unifying opposition in China . Stratfor provides global awareness and guidance to individuals, governments and businesses around the world. We use a unique, intel-based approach to […]