The constant stream of news coverage on China’s water crisis hasn’t dampened Beijing’s bid to host the 2022 winter Olympics and the production of a key, water-guzzling component of that bid: snow. The Economist reports.
China’s north-south water diversion project to climb over 200 billion yuan
China’s plan to invest more than 64 billion yuan ($10.13 billion) in the country’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project this year, will push the total investment to date over the 200 billion yuan mark (more than $30 billion).
Beijing’s water regulations
(October 18, 2011) The Miyun Reservoir happens to be the major water supply for Beijing and the county is an important ecological shield. To protect the ecology of the area, no major industrial projects have been allowed in and around the Miyun area. In addition, farmers who live upstream from the reservoir are not allowed to use chemicals and fertilizers in crop production. So says China Daily.
Low water prices fuel Beijing’s water shortage
(May 20, 2011) In addition to natural conditions, the water shortage in Beijing is aggravated by low water prices which do not reflect the scarcity of water resources. Low water prices are equivalent to subsidizing those enterprises which consume more water, says Fu Tao, Director of the Water Policy Research Center at Tsinghua University.
Drought at source
(May 20, 2011) China’s South-North Water Diversion project may have little water to spare for Beijing.
Bankers join environmentalists in alarm over Beijing’s water crisis
(May 5, 2011) Beijing’s water shortage is one of the main factors thwarting the region’s sustainable economic growth, say bankers who have joined environmentalists in sounding the alarm over the city’s “chronic water deficit.”
Ski resorts gulp Beijing’s water supplies
(April 29, 2011) In a new report published by the Beijing-based Friends of Nature and Canadian environmental group Probe International, Chinese environmental researcher, Hu Kanping, documents the impact of ski resorts on drought-stricken Beijing.
Water treatment companies stand to gain from Chinese water pollution
(April 21, 2011) Water treatment companies look to cash in on billions of dollars invested by the Chinese government in providing clean water, though investors are being warned that the lack of transparency in the companies makes them risky investments.
Beijing’s Ski Slopes as Thirsty as 8,300 Households
(April 21, 2011) Beijing badly lacks water, but much of the available supply is slurped up by luxury apartments and bottling plants. Friends of Nature researchers have recently drawn attention to the additional drain of the million tons a year pumped into artificial snow machines at 17 skiing facilities around the city.
Beijing officials fiddle in face of crisis
(March 28, 2011) Rather than implement the hard-hitting measures needed to turn Beijing’s water shortage around, officials defy logic with a soft approach.
China’s drinking water crisis
(March 27, 2011) The quality of China’s tap water was raised on World Water Day. Reports and statements by professionals all point to a drinking water crisis.
China wants citizens to value water
(March 22, 2011) Keen to spread public awareness about water conservation, the Chinese government is encouraging its citizens to adapt novel water preservation methods.
Despite February snow, Beijing’s crippling drought continues
(March 2, 2011) Though much of the drought stricken areas in China have now received some precipitation, the North remains dangerously dry.
Chinese Environment Minister: Environmental degradation may cause economic ‘bottleneck’
(February 28, 2011) Reuters reports on an unusually frank essay by the Chinese environment minister on how environmental devastation could stunt economic development.
China to relocate 190,000 people for south-north water diversion project this year
(February 26, 2011) Official Chinese media reports that 190,000 more people will be relocated this year as part of the south-north water diversion project.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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