One of Our Observers in China alerted us to these photos of Qingdao, the town that will host the Olympic sailing events in August. To say the least, it doesn't look promising.

There are already concerns about the quality of air in Beijing, where some of the competitions will take place. Here in Qingdao, however, it's water pollution that's worrying the organisers. A sudden increase in the growth of algae - which indicates high levels of nitrates - has left two thirds of the area covered in dense seaweed. Good luck windsurfers!