There is no doubt that water conservation is increasingly becoming a global challenge. According to the World Water Development Report 2024 released by the United Nations agency UNESCO, the current global water situation has become critical due to the rising consumption of freshwater. Nearly half of the world's population has recently experienced severe water shortages, and a quarter of the population faces the most extreme levels of scarcity. In this context, the role of countries with large populations, such as China, has become particularly significant.
China has made remarkable strides in water management over the past decade, successfully stabilizing water consumption while experiencing sustainable economic growth. Data indicates that, during this period, China maintained annual water consumption below 610 billion cubic meters, even as its gross domestic product (GDP) doubled. This era also witnessed substantial improvements in flood and drought prevention capabilities, along with enhanced utilization of water resources.
Over the past decade, China has significantly enhanced its water supply capacity by nearly 200 billion cubic meters through the implementation of new water-saving projects, representing a three-fold increase compared to the previous decade. During this period, approximately 87 million MU (equivalent to 5.8 million hectares) of irrigated fields have been added. The effective irrigation area for farms across the country currently stands at 1.055 billion MU (over 70 million hectares), with rural tap water coverage reaching 90%.
Similarly, China is intensifying its efforts to construct a national water grid, with a particular emphasis on projects like the middle-route segment of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Additionally, preparations are underway for the expansion of both the western and eastern routes, which have been finalized.
South-to-North Water diversion Project continues to benefit over 16 million residents in Beijing during its initial phase. Since the commencement of water supplies in December 2014, the project has transferred 10 billion cubic meters of water to the city. This ambitious plan facilitates the movement of water from China's water-rich southern regions to arid areas in the north via central, eastern, and western routes.
The central route has been essential for maintaining the water supply to the capital, Beijing, as the city has made significant advancements over the past decade, including the opening of a major airport in the less densely populated southern region. More than 70% of Beijing's urban water is supplied through the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Thanks to this initiative, Beijing's annual per capita water resources have increased from 100 cubic meters to approximately 150 cubic meters, which has greatly alleviated water shortages in the capital, effectively enhanced water security, and provided water for key areas such as the city's sub-center and Daxing International Airport. After many years of continuous improvement, Beijing is now benefiting from a robust water system, although further progress is still needed.
In a broader context, China has made significant strides in recent years in enhancing the distribution of water resources, preventing floods and droughts, conserving and utilizing water effectively, and managing rivers and lakes in response to contemporary demands. The country has implemented a variety of innovative measures, including water rights trading mechanisms, to achieve optimal distribution and efficient use of water resources through market-based approaches. These initiatives have played a crucial role in alleviating water scarcity and advancing sustainable development in China.