China’s capital city is suffering through its worst air pollution since May in the wake of its decision to boost coal production to address a power crunch. The concentration of PM 2.5 particles — the most-hazardous, tiny particulate matter floating in the air — soared to 151, according to data from the U.S. Embassy. An air quality index compiled by the capital’s government stood at 182 , which officially fell in the “moderate pollution” range. The worsening air quality highlights the challenges Beijing faces balancing its need to burn coal to heat homes and maintain economic growth with meeting its targets for addressing climate change and a desire to have clear skies for the Winter Games starting in February. The nation has been racing to solve an energy crisis that’s stifling key industries and that some economists warn risks crimping global growth. For more than a month, energy shortages […]