China, with its population exceeding 1.4 billion, is presently wrestling with an array of challenges brought forth by climate change. The nation’s vast population and uneven water distribution aggravate its vulnerability to extreme weather.
Northern China, including Beijing, is in the grips of a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above the annual average. The resultant demand for electricity has led to blackouts and factory closures. Faced with this energy crisis, China has ramped up approvals for new coal mines and coal-fired power plants. A staggering 260 million metric tons of new mining capacity and 20.45 gigawatts of new coal power capacity were approved in Q1 2023, surpassing the entirety of 2021.
The agriculture sector, too, reels under extreme weather patterns. Heavy rains have led to premature germination of wheat crops, rendering approximately 15% of the crop, or around 18 million tons, unfit for human consumption. This has pushed wheat imports to a projected all-time high of 10 million tons.
Rice production in Hunan province is under threat as well due to continuous rainfall that risks washing away rice pollen.
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In response to flooding, China launched the “sponge city” project in 2015, aimed at increasing urban areas’ capacity to absorb rainwater. However, its effectiveness remains questionable, especially after the severe floods in Zhengzhou in 2021 and Beihai in 2023.
China’s plans to construct a national network of canals, reservoirs, and storage facilities are part of a broader strategy to enhance water flow control and reduce flood and drought risks.
However, even as the nation races against time to deal with the immediate effects of extreme weather, the figures and numbers highlight the need for a robust long-term strategy that effectively aligns with environmental sustainability goals. China’s struggle against extreme weather is more than a battle for resilience – it is a test of foresight, adaptation, and sustainability.
