Probleme mit den Wasser- und Bodenressourcen in China

Abstract

Soil and water in China are at considerable risk for global ecological and anthropogenous reasons; their capacity to absorb these risks is to a large degree overstretched and ecological functioning is in the balance. In the north-west in particular, the ecological situation is alarming: as a result of human exploitation and of climate change, large areas have become inhospitable deserts over the years. This is one of the outcomes of the Chinese policy of prioritising economic and global-strategic objectives, as well as of accelerated industrial and agricultural development. Consequently, a vicious circle arises, due to water scarcity and over-use of water resources, of climate-induced natural catastrophes, destruction of the eco-system balance due to human activities, and of continuing contamination and inadequate water management. Water scarcity, soil degradation and desertification comprise some of the greatest barriers to sustainable development. Finding an effective counterbalance to these problems is one of the major challenges to Chinese policy. China's future is endangered unless solutions are found to water and soil problems. The state and society need to adopt a nwew development strategy towards an economy and a way of life which are ecologically compatible, towards resource-saving production and social and political attitudes to nature in accordance with cultural tradition.