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WATER POLITICS

Via Circle of Blue, a look at Beijing and China’s water conundrum:

“…Beijing is, in fact, running out of water. Last year, I reported on the desperate measures that the Chinese capital is taking to avert an impending water crisis for its population of more than 19.6 million. Perennial drought, overuse, and pollution have left Beijing struggling to meet the growing water demands of its soaring economy, which is expanding by more than 11 percent a year on average. Its drying rivers and lakes, along with falling water tables, are enduring water deficits that force the city to suck millions of cubic meters (billions of gallons) in emergency transfers from neighboring provinces — which, in turn, depletes their water supplies — thereby draining agricultural and economic opportunities.