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China's capital, Beijing, issues an ''orange'' pollution alert, the second-highest level, on the first day of the Paris climate talks. Schools suspended outdoor activities and polluting factories were required to reduce production. Air quality devices in some areas are unable to read such high levels of pollutants.

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A scene of blue skies over the Temple of Heaven is seen on an electronic billboard through pollution in Beijing.Greg Baker/AFP / Getty Images

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Pedestrians and policeman cross the street at a crosswalk at the Tiananmen Square.Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

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A couple wear protective masks as they have their picture taken outside the Forbidden City on a day of heavy pollution.Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

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A woman sells hot food to a driver stranded on a highway between Beijing and Hebei province that is closed due to smog.Damir Sagolj/Reuters

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A woman covers her mouth and nose with her muffler as she makes her way through the financial district.Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

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A Chinese woman wears a protective mask as she and others perform Tai Chi at a very hazy Temple of Heaven Park.Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

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A visitor uses binoculars to try and see the city of Beijing through heavy smog at a viewing deck on the China Central Radio and Television Tower in Beijing.Reuters

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A man wearing a mask stands in front of the giant portrait of China's late Chairman Mao Zedong at the Tiananmen Gate.Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

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A woman covers her mouth as she waits for a taxi in Beijing.Greg Baker/AFP / Getty Images

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A woman wearing a mask to protect herself from pollutants walks out of an underpass tunnel.Andy Wong/The Associated Press

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