Location and Geography: East Asia, Very Diverse Geography

CLEAN WATER IN CHINA

Basic Information

·  Location and geography: East Asia, very diverse geography

·  Government: Unitary Socialist One-Party State, President: Xi Jingpin

Clean Water Statistics[1]

·  96% of the population has access to improved clean water.

·  In rural areas, 93%[2] of the population has access to clean water, while in urban areas, 98%.

Population

China, a state very much aware of its population and the distribution of resources in consideration to this statistic, has employed measures like the “One Child Policy” and incentives for those who have fewer children such as tax deductions. Nonetheless, despite a 2% decrease in the population growth rate of China between 1996 and 2014, the country still boasts a large 7.3% growth rate.[3] A pressing concern for the state is the pollution of the waterways. Unlike some countries where the pollution issues of waterways are largely unseen in China, the pollution is much more visible.

Where does China get its water?

Water covers much of China, with long rivers and tributaries spanning across the state. In particular, the Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world. China places fifth in terms of countries possessing the most water resources, yet little of the water is actually renewable.[4] Northern China, is especially plagued by water shortages. China’s crops are highly water dependent, which only exacerbates the problems of water shortages and pollution.7 The proximity to factories can also be seen as a determinant for the health of the individual, some regions notoriously becoming known as “cancer villages” for the contaminants dispersed and high likelihood of developing diseases. 718 km3/yearof water is dispersed into surrounding countries, the Heilong River entering Russia, and the Yuan entering Vietnam as examples.7

Infrastructure

Water recycling is only at a 40% capacity in China as opposed to the 75% capacity in other, more developed nations.[5] China seeks to increase its capability to desalinate water, a process that allows for the relative cleansing and preparation of water for different uses. The goal is to increase the desalination from 600,000 tons per day to 2.5 million tons per day.9 Yet, to do so requires more energy will be needed, which in turn necessitates the usage of more water, especially for coal-energy sources, which account for nearly a quarter of China’s water costs.9

Effects of Climate Change:

Climate Change refers to the changes to earth’s climate as a result of human activities, primarily in terms of the creation of greenhouse gasses that cause a rise in earth’s temperature. There are many consequences to the rising temperatures, rising sea levels and extreme weather. In China, rising sea levels will lead to more flooding along its coastline and long periods of drought may affect the country’s ability to supply water to its population.

What is China doing to fulfill the right to clean water?

China is a signatory of the “Resolution Recognizing Access to Clean Water and Sanitation as Human Rights,” signaling a desire to better conditions and potentially work with others to improve water welfare.[6] The Environment Ministry in Beijing is the entity that oversees much of the policymaking surrounding water polices and health for the country as a whole.[7] By the end of 2016, the ministry has stated that it will attempt a ban on harmful practices my industries such as oil refineries and paper bleaching and production. Air pollution, which causes acidic rain, furthering the pollution of water supplies, is also a major topic of concern for the Chinese government.

[1] http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.H2O.SAFE.ZS

[2] http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.H2O.SAFE.RU.ZS

[3] http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG

[4] http://www.fao.org/nr/water/aquastat/countries_regions/chn/index.stm

[5] http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2011/05/05/how-china-is-dealing-with-its-water-crisis/

[6]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiv97Ck3_rMAhUDPj4KHenOCXgQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.un.org%2Fwaterforlifedecade%2Fhuman_right_to_water.shtml&usg=AFQjCNHHUOmcvIA0Qs6G2SqTt-AsVzxTpg&sig2=D3NSqcoaMm9w25kiVuKO3g&bvm=bv.122676328,d.cWw

[7] https://www.rt.com/news/265186-china-water-air-pollution/