north-south divide

• South-North China Water Transfer - Location

  • Diverts water from Southern China to Northern cities (Beijing, Tianjin).
  • Uses three routes: Central, Eastern, Western.
• what paper is the north-south divide on?

  paper 2
• Why is the project needed?

  • China has 20% of the world’s population but only 7% of its water.
  • Only 12% of China’s land is arable; water is needed for agriculture.
  • Northern cities face severe water deficits.
• Advantages of the South-North Water Transfer

  • Supports agriculture by irrigating farmland.
  • Supplies 44 billion cubic metres of water yearly to Beijing & Tianjin.
  • Reduces water stress in major Northern cities.
• Disadvantages of the South-North Water Transfer

  • Cost: $62 billion, a heavy burden on taxpayers.
  • 345,000 people displaced to create reservoirs.
  • Increased water stress in the South—30 million locals may face drinking water shortages.
• What is the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  A project to transfer water from South to North
• What are the three routes of the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  • Eastern Route
  • Central Route
  • Western Route
• How is the South-North China Water Transfer Project ranked globally?

  One of the largest water transfer projects
• Why was the South-North China Water Transfer Project needed?

  To address severe water shortages in Northern China
• Which cities are among the worst affected by water shortages in Northern China?

  Beijing and Tianjin
• What region in Southern China has abundant water resources?

  The Yangtze River Basin
• What environmental issue has resulted from the overuse of groundwater in Northern China?

  Land subsidence and desertification
• What are the key features of the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  • Transfers water over thousands of kilometers
  • Uses canals, tunnels, and pipelines
  • Eastern Route follows the Grand Canal
  • Central Route diverts from Danjiangkou Reservoir
  • Western Route planned from the Tibetan Plateau
• What does the Eastern Route of the project follow?

  The Grand Canal
• From where does the Central Route divert water?

  Danjiangkou Reservoir
• What is the status of the Western Route?

  Not yet built
• What are the economic and social benefits of the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  • Stable water supply for industries and households
  • Supports agricultural production
  • Promotes economic growth in Northern cities
  • Provides clean drinking water
• How does the project help agricultural production?

  By reducing the risk of crop failure
• What public health benefit does the project provide?

  Improves sanitation and drinking water quality
• What are the environmental and social challenges of the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  • High cost: Over $62 billion spent
  • Displacement of 345,000 people
  • Damage to ecosystems and aquatic life
  • Southern water shortages affecting 30 million locals
• How much has been spent on the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  Over $62 billion
• How many people were relocated for the project?

  345,000 people
• What ecological impact does diverting water have?

  Affects aquatic life and wetlands
• What could be a consequence of reducing water in the Yangtze Basin?

  Harm to 30 million locals
• What are the controversies and future issues surrounding the South-North China Water Transfer Project?

  • Concerns about sustainability due to climate change
  • Critics suggest water conservation and desalination
  • Western Route faces engineering challenges
  • Long-term need for more water transfers
• What do some experts argue about the project's sustainability?

  It is unsustainable due to climate change
• What alternative solutions do critics suggest for water issues?

  Water conservation and desalination
• What challenges has the Western Route faced?

  Engineering and environmental challenges
• What are the long-term concerns regarding water transfers in China?

  Need for even more water transfers
• what paper is the north south divide on?

  paper 2