![China Emissions Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-8.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
As 150 world leaders meet in Paris to produce a landmark agreement that would set targets on reducing carbon emissions – and limit the rise of global temperatures – parts of China, including its capital, Beijing, recorded the worst smog of 2015.
On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, some of the country’s air quality devices were unable to read such high level of pollutants, notes photographer Kevin Frayer who produced a series of before and after images showing the smog’s visual impact. In one scene, the mausoleum at Tiananmen Square completely disappears in the pollution as tourists wear surgical masks to protect themselves.
In Beijing, levels of fine particulate matters, considered the most hazardous, crossed 600 units, nearly 25 times the acceptable standard set by the World Health Organization.
![China Emissions Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-8.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows visitors posing for photographs in front of the Tiananmen Gate and the giant portrait of Chinese late Chairman Mao Zedong on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-7.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows visitors taking pictures at the top of the Jingshan Park overseeing the Forbidden City on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-3.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![China Emissions Pollution Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-5.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows a visitor using binoculars to see the city of Beijing at a viewing deck on the China Central Radio and Television Tower on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-1.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows a morning commuter walking in front of the China Central Television (CCTV) building on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows visitors standing next to a paramilitary policeman as they visit the Tiananmen Square on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-4.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![China Emissions Pollution Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-6.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A combo shows the giant portrait of Chinese late chairman Mao Zedong on the Tiananmen gate on a smoggy day and a sunny day Beijing smog before after](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/beijing-smog-before-after-09.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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