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As unseasonal heat continues to rage in China, a heated debate has erupted on social media over the use of air conditioners in classrooms. In some of China’s hottest cities, where temperatures have soared above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), parents are demanding that schools install air conditioning to provide a more comfortable learning environment for students. However, not everyone agrees, and the conversation has become a topic of a larger discussion about education, health and government responsibility.

Rising Temperatures and Increasing Demands
China has been experiencing intense heat waves in recent years, with temperatures consistently breaking records. Earlier this year, China’s Meteorological Bureau warned that these heat waves could become even more frequent and severe, and that maximum temperatures could potentially rise by up to 2.8 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next 30 years. Given this alarming trend, many parents believe that classrooms should have air conditioning to ensure children’s safety and comfort during extreme heat.

Lin Yujun, the father of a junior high school student in Guangdong, one of China’s hottest provinces, is one of many parents who think air conditioning is a must. “Without air conditioning, it would be challenging to concentrate on studies,” he told a local news outlet, reflecting the concerns of many who believe unbearable classroom temperatures are hampering students’ ability to focus and learn effectively.

Debate heats up in Changsha
The debate heated up in Changsha, a major city in southern China, when the local education department said it would not install air conditioners in schools. The department justified its decision by saying it wanted to “instill a sense of hard work and endurance” in students. The comment, considered outdated and irrelevant by many, sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms such as Weibo, where users argued that exposing children to extreme heat is neither productive nor healthy.

One Weibo user hit back at the education department’s comment: “Hard work and endurance? Can we ask the education bureau to work in 40-degree heat, then discuss whether this is the way to instill such a spirit in children?” Another user said, “Global warming has become so serious. What do you want children to do?”

This response reflects widespread discontent among the public, especially parents, who feel that their children’s well-being should be prioritized over abstract ideals such as “endurance.” They argue that with climate change becoming more extreme, measures such as installing air conditioners are becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.

Concerns over cost and health risks
While many parents support the idea of air conditioning in schools, not everyone agrees. Some are concerned about the cost implications. Schools argue that installing air conditioners would be an expensive endeavor, not only because of the initial cost of the units but also because of ongoing electricity bills. Some schools have proposed that parents contribute to the cost, which has caused further controversy.

For example, an elementary school in Xiangtan, another city in southern China, invited parents to donate money for air conditioners. The request sparked a fierce public response, leading the local education bureau to order the school to return the money to parents. Despite the controversy, some online commentators defended the school’s approach, arguing that students’ comfort and safety should be prioritized, even if it requires additional contributions from parents.

There are also concerns about potential health risks associated with air-conditioned classrooms. Some parents worry that children may be more prone to catching colds or other infections when constantly exposed to cold air. “Not all parents are in favor of installing air conditioners,” said one parent from Chongqing. “Maybe the education board can extend school holidays according to the weather.” Alternative Solutions: Delayed

Starts and Ice Buckets
Given the challenges associated with installing air conditioners, some schools have turned to creative alternatives to escape the heat. In some schools, large pieces of ice are placed in buckets around classrooms to help cool the environment. This low-tech solution, while temporary and less effective than air conditioning, shows the lengths schools are going to to make learning environments more tolerable.

Additionally, many schools in eastern Jiangxi province and southwestern Sichuan province decided to delay the start of the autumn semester. The new school session, which was originally scheduled to begin on September 2, was postponed by a week to avoid the peak of the heat wave. This decision has been generally well received, as it allows students to stay safe at home rather than endure the stifling heat in classrooms.

In a heartbreaking incident in China’s Shandong province, a school bus veered off course and ran over a crowd of students and parents, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 11 people. The horrific accident, which occurred outside a school gate in the city of Tai’an, has left the community in shock and grief.

Incident overview
The fatal accident occurred just as the school day was coming to an end and students and their parents were gathered outside the school gate. Reports suggest that the bus lost control and rammed into a group of people waiting on the side of the road. The deceased include five students and six parents. Several others were also injured in the incident, with one person reported to be in critical condition.

The driver of the bus has been taken into custody by authorities. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but it is unclear whether the incident was intentional or the result of a tragic accident. Initial reports suggest that the driver “lost control” of the vehicle, but more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Community response and impact
The timing of the accident is particularly tragic, as it occurred just days after the start of the new academic year. The return to school was meant to be a time of excitement and renewal, but instead, it has been filled with grief and loss. Photos and videos circulating on social media reflect the severity of the accident, with some people appearing to be trapped underneath the vehicle.

The accident has had a profound impact on the community. In addition to the immediate loss of life, the incident has caused widespread anxiety and distress among parents, students and local residents. The sight of families mourning for their loved ones and the emotional trauma inflicted on those who witnessed the accident are a stark reminder of the scope of the tragedy.

Investigation and response
Officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident. The focus of the investigation will likely be to examine the mechanical condition of the bus, the background and experience of the driver, and any possible external factors that may have contributed to the loss of control.

State media reports confirm that the driver has been taken into custody, but no further details have been released about their condition or the circumstances leading to the accident. As investigations continue, greater scrutiny will be placed on safety measures and regulations governing school transport in the area.

The Historical Context of Traffic Accidents in China
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Fatal traffic accidents are a recurring problem in China, where rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle ownership have led to a rise in road traffic accidents. In July this year, another serious accident in the central city of Changsha saw a vehicle collide with a group of pedestrians, resulting in eight deaths and many more injuries.

China has made significant efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents through strict regulations and increased enforcement. However, high traffic volumes, coupled with issues relating to vehicle maintenance and driver behaviour, continue to present challenges.

Response from authorities and public figures
In the wake of the accident, local authorities have expressed their condolences and are committed to addressing the issues highlighted by the accident. Work will be done towards enhancing safety measures and increasing monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Public figures and leaders have also responded to the tragedy. Expressions of sympathy and calls for better safety protocols have been prevalent among politicians and community leaders. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of school children and the wider public on the roads.

Looking Ahead
As the community deals with this tragedy, the focus will be on supporting the affected families and addressing the wider issues raised by the incident. This includes reviewing and potentially amending safety regulations for school transport and raising public awareness of road safety.

The investigation into the Tai’an school bus crash is likely to reveal further information about the factors that contributed to the accident. Hopefully the findings will lead to meaningful changes that will prevent future tragedies and ensure the roads are safer for everyone.

The impact of the crash will be felt long after the immediate aftermath. The grief of losing loved ones, the trauma of witnessing the crash, and ongoing concerns about road safety will all play a role in shaping the community response and the measures taken to address the underlying issues.

Tag: China

“11 Dead as School Bus Crashes into Crowd in China”