Case Study → Pros and cons of techno-fix hard engineering, Water transfers in China (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

Case Study → Pros and cons of techno-fix hard engineering, Water transfers in China

Context	● The South of China is rich in water resources whereas the North isn't ○ Beijing region has 35% of China's population, and 40% of arable land, but only 7% of its water ● In order to redistribute these resources and to even out the availability of water ↳ A gigantic South-North water diversion project began in 2003 ● Expected to take 50 yrs to complete & will cost approx US$100 bn ● Project involves building 3 canals that run 1300 km across the eastern, middle and western parts of China ○ Will link the country's four major rivers: The Yangtze, Yellow, Huai and Han
Benefits	● It will transfer a total of 44.8 bn cubic metres of water per yr ● Central government will provide 60% of the cost of the scheme, with the rest coming from local authorities, which, in turn, will charge domestic and industrial users ● Water conservation, improved irrigation, pollution treatment and environmental protection are included in the plans ● Will reduce the abstraction of groundwater
Concerns	● Critics are concerned about the uncertainties and risks associated with the project ● These include the likelihood of significant ecological and environmental impacts along the waterway ● The Yangtze River is already severely polluted, and water of the Yellow Rivers is undrinkable ○ Some fear ecological disaster ● It will submerge 370km² of land ● 345,000 will have to relocate ● The Eastern route is industrial and risks further pollution

•                                      The South-North Water Transfer Project in China*