(June 23, 2000) China’s capital Beijing is suffering its worst drought in 50 years, with only 17 millimeters of rainfall reported this year, down 63 percent from the same period last year. The lack of rain is already challenging the city’s water supply, said experts at a meeting on flood control and drought prevention.
Mega water diversion tunnel project under way in NE China
(December 6, 1999) In a few years, the central area of Liaoning Province, northeast China, will receive an additional 1.8 billion cubic meters of water annually for local people and for agricultural and industrial production.
Drought worsens China water woes
(November 10, 1999) Parts of China are suffering their worst drought in over 50 years. But in the cities, demand for water is increasing as China’s economic boom continues..
China vows to synchronize environmental protection with development
(August 16, 1999) SEPA deputy director Zhu Guangyao says the government views its most important environmental task as water pollution control, with a focus on drinking water security.
Yangtze to get 2 dams, power plants
(August 5, 1999) China plans to build two big hydroelectric power stations on the upper reaches of Yangtze River beginning at the turn of the century. The China Yangtze Three Gorges Project Development Corp.(CTGPC) proposal to build two hydroelectric power plants has won approval of the State Development Planning Commission. The two projects would be located in Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba along the Jinshajiang River, with an installed power generating capacity expected to reach 12,000 megawatts and 6,000 megawatts. Building may begin as early as 2002.
Letter from Canadian NGO’s to Finance Minister Paul Martin
(May 20, 1999) This letter is written to register our concern and opposition to the proposed World Bank project entitled “The China Western Poverty Reduction Project” (WPRP), which is scheduled for approval on June 8, 1999. We urge you withhold Canadian support for the project.
Behind the red velvet curtain lies a culture destroyed
(December 30, 1998) ‘Of China’s 606 cities, two-thirds are seriously short of water. The aquifer level under Beijing is 80 metres down, dropping a metre a year. No one knows how much remains.’
Experts push for westward water diversion route
(October 14, 1998) Officials and experts yesterday called for preparatory steps to be taken in the construction of the final west route of the south-to-north water diversion project, to bring much needed water to parched Northwest China.
US dam expert warns Ex-Im bank that investing in Three Gorges dam could have serious implications
(May 8, 1996) A world renowned expert in river sedimentation has written the United States Export-Import Bank warning that the "inherent risks" of sedimentation at the Three Gorges dam constitute a "strong reason to refrain from providing US support" for the project.
Chinese health authorities panic about the spread of diseases among Three Gorges evacuees
(April 17, 1996) Chinese health authorities are alarmed about the potential spread of diseases among the people being forced to move to make way for the Three Gorges dam, according to an article in a Chinese newspaper, Health Daily.
Chapter 10
(May 31, 1994) AN INTERVIEW WITH HUANG SHUNXING by Dai Qing
In 1985 you returned to China by way of Japan. Were you, at that time, aware of the ecological crisis confronting the mainland and the detrimental impact of the Three Gorges project on the environment?