More significantly, people believe many officials still lack the will to act fast because their political careers hinge on economic performance rather than environmental protection that can be costly and slow the pace of local growth.

Critics have even shrugged off a recent move by northern Liaoning province to fine some of its cities for failing to meet air quality standards. The sums ranging from 400,000 yuan ($65,870) to 34.6 million yuan for a city are considered insignificant and at best could serve as a slap on the wrist for those in charge.

Although the government has vowed to hold top local officials accountable if heavy air pollution continues for three consecutive days because of their slackness or negligence, there has been no report of someone being punished for the latest wave of smog.

But even the most GDP-obsessed bureaucrats now cannot ignore the surging undercurrent of public dissatisfaction. Chinese social media are rife with satires on life under the pall of pollution and smoke, and attempts to downplay the environmental woes have drawn wide condemnations.

Over the week, people have been up in arms over an article posted on the website of China's national television broadcaster that gave "five unforeseen benefits" of the country's severe air pollution: It unites Chinese people, makes them more equal, accords them more knowledge, raises their awareness of the cost of economic development, and gives them a better sense of humor.

Perhaps it is just another satire aimed at making people think more about the issue. Perhaps it is not. I do not know if this is what the author means, but I do agree everybody is equal before smog that seeps into people's homes and harms their health.

The writer is editor-at-large of China Daily.

dr.baiping@gmail.com

(China Daily 12/14/2013 page5)