Clearing the air(2)

Target of respect, scorn

Du worked at State-owned steel giant Shougang and then the office of letters and calls at the municipal government before he was transferred to the EPB in 2000. Reflecting on his past work experience, especially when he dealt with petitioners, he noted the two jobs were similar because they are both about communicating with people.

"Working at the EPB is safer," he joked. "At least here I won't be caught in a physical conflict with aggressive crowds."

Some of Du's public statements drew considerable attention in the latter half of last year, especially in October when the EPB was embroiled in a credibility crisis and debate over the readings of Beijing's air quality. A storm of criticism ensued, with the public claiming the EPB had been downplaying the city's air pollution data, given that the US embassy's readings always categorized air as "unhealthy" or "dangerous," while the EPB's data labeled it "slightly polluted."

He also felt pressure when facing intimidating press conferences attended by inquisitive reporters, skeptical of claims that polluted days were merely "foggy."

"I always prepared for every press conference as if it was my last, wary that saying something inappropriate could seal my fate," he said. Du received applause and criticism for making brave, frank statements despite working in a government department accused of hiding the truth about Beijing's environmental woes. Nevertheless, he insisted that his changing role within the EPB was a "natural career change," emphasizing that he had not fallen on his sword nor been dismissed for breaking ranks within the bureau.

"I never lied when I spoke to the media," Du asserted. "I didn't understand why there was still so much criticism and slander against me, even though I publicly identified faults with the EPB's work and admitted we had flaws. Later, I realized there needed to be more communication between the bureau and the public."

'Wolf King' of Weibo

One way Du set about improving communication was by opening a personal account on Weibo in January last year under the user name "Wolf King of Basong." Basong derives from the Putonghua translation of Pagsum, a scenic lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region, while "Wolf King" represents his power and resolve as an environmentalist, he explained.

Currently, the "Wolf King" boasts more than 650,000 followers, and was listed among China's top 10 favorable Weibo-using public servants by Web users in a poll published by People's Daily Online and Sina Weibo in December 2011.

Du admitted his initiation into the Weibo world was tough, but he persisted in the belief that it would allow him to "break down dull government policies into simple words" and "make friends with people who share different opinions."

Du's bluntness and frank opinions made him stand out among other government spokespersons who often appear to read scripted statements. Perhaps his most famous remarks came in December last year, when he conceded that Beijing's PM10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers) air index has never met nationally accepted standards, which the public long knew. Earlier that year in June, Du visited several residential compounds in Beijing's southeast Tongzhou district following residents' complaints of foul odors caused by chemical pollution. He ordered inspections of the offending plants and halted operations of those emitting excessive pollution, winning praise from locals.

Du admitted that compared to his previous role as a spokesman, being an environmental inspector is considerably less stressful.

"I've been sleeping better lately," Du confessed, explaining that he used to work late into the night and answer questions from Weibo microbloggers up until midnight. Now, he spearheads special environmental projects and has more time for environmental research and discussion with environmental protection organizations.

As one of the initiators of a citywide green-commuting campaign titled "One Fewer Day Driving," Du said he uses public transport and rides his bicycle as often as possible.

"As an ordinary resident, I'd say the EPB has done a fair job over the past few years," he said, acknowledging more needs to be done to curb pollution and lower emissions. "The government is setting new goals and faces new challenges each year, and we need the public to work with us in creating a 'spring for environmental protection.' I'm sorry there's still a discrepancy between our official data and the public's feelings about Beijing's environment. We're trying to achieve a better balance," he said.

Wrapping up the interview, the jovial inspector offered one last piece of advice. "Don't use photos of me in your newspaper that show me angry," he joked, a smile creeping across his face. "I'd like the public to see me as a friend, not another bad-tempered official."