China’s drought could have serious global impact
Wide swathes of northern China are suffering through their worst drought in 60 years — a dry spell that could have a serious economic impact worldwide if it continues much longer, experts say.
Some areas have gone 120 days without any significant rainfall, leaving more than five million hectares (12.4 million acres) of crops damaged — an area half the size of South Korea — China’s drought control agency said Sunday.
There are fears that the problem could send global prices soaring at a time when food costs are already causing governments headaches. According to the UN last month world prices broke their peak levels of 2008 to hit a record high.
“If the dry spell continues into March or April, wheat production could be seriously affected, with losses of more than 10 million tonnes,” Ma Wenfeng, an analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultants, told AFP.
“China would be forced to boost its imports.” More than 2.5 million people lack drinking water, particularly in the eastern and central provinces of Shandong and Henan, which each have around 95 million inhabitants.
If I posted the secret to creating fresh filtered water out of polluted air, I would be giving away a valuable idea. Unfortunately, I am hardly that brilliant.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28003681/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/
Unless someone has a magic wand, this is a more of a problem for other nations than it is for China. Why? Because they are the largest creditor nation in the world and therefore can afford to import all of their natural resources. We are the largest debtor nation in the world. As time goes on they will have to import yet larger amounts of this natural commodity to satisfy the growing need. Drink up while you can!
China would be forced to boost its imports.” More than 2.5 million people lack drinking water, particularly in the eastern and central provinces of Shandong and Henan, which each have around 95 million inhabitants.