The central government of the People’s Republic of China has already spent 4 billion yuan for grain production and rural water conservation projects as a result of water shortages in the country. Since September of last year, China has received only 15 percent of the annual rainfall. 

The central government plans to spend an additional 2.2 billion yuan for drought relief equipment and supplies. Reports indicate that residents in China’s mountainous regions are suffering directly from the drought. 

Crop production has declined and residents of rural and mountainous areas are walking even longer distances to find clean drinking water. The central government also confirmed that 1.4 billion yuan would subsidize rural residents who are feeling the drought more than others. 

Thus far, reports indicate that 3.2 million people have been affected by the drought. But, if the drought persists into the month of March 2011, it is estimated that water supplies to one million people will cease.  

One million people without access to clean water supplies in a country advancing as rapidly as China seems strange. But no amount of economic growth or infrastructural development can contend with the forces of nature. 

If the drought in China persists, there is a risk of increased rates of hunger, decreased exports of agricultural goods, and the fundamental vulnerability of the population of the People’s Republic of China. 

How can the country continue to flourish if citizens are left without necessary water supplies to conduct their lives and business as usual? The central government’s response to the droughts in China will indeed demonstrate the country’s commitment to upholding the ideal that water is a human right. 

So far, government investments in measures to prevent the drought from crippling parts of the country have amounted to billions of yuan. Ironically, a Chinese proverb warns that calling on a doctor in sickness is like digging a well when you’re thirsty. Hence, billions of yuan investments in water conservation projects directly contrast the ancient word of wisdom. Perhaps agreeing on an international carbon emission policy on climate change would do the trick? If you enjoyed this article, you should also read:

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