As the countdown ends, air pollution remains a problem.

Thick pollution blanketed the Chinese capital on Sunday 鈥� one of the smoggiest days seen in the past month 鈥� but a city environmental official pledged that the air quality would be “good” by the time the Beijing Olympics start in 12 days.

Despite tough traffic restrictions imposed a week ago to help reduce pollution. visibility was a half-mile in parts of the city. At the opening of the Athletes’ Village on Sunday, the complex was invisible from the nearby main Olympic Green.

I hope Beijing can make it in time!

Via Associated Press: Air pollution still a problem in Beijing