China is under mounting pressure to supply clean water for its people while simultaneously achieving economic development in a sustainable way.
More than 100 experts have gathered in Beijing to discuss ways to deal with pressing environmental issues. Especially as growing industrialization and urbanization have created an imminent water shortage.
A wide spread draught earlier this year has again sounded the alarm for the country's water supply. Total water conservation in China ranks number six in the world. But per capita endowment is only a quarter of the world's average. The situation is further complicated by a changing climate since more extreme weather is expected.
Prof. Abdin Salih, president of UNESCO International Hydrological Program,said, "High flood rates will be recorded than before. And we will have longer spells of draughts. So we have to adapt to those things. We have to find a way to mitigate the consequences worldwide, and of course in China."
Pollution is also aggravating the water scarcity situation. During the past thirty years, water pollution has increased encroaching from the coast to inland areas. And also spreading from surface water to underground resources. About 25 cubic kilometers of water is unfit for consumption as a result of pollution every year.
