"Running Dry in China"

When Giants Fall has some info. about drought in China -- highlighting another major crisis -- WATER, and lack of same. Here's an exerpt.

"Running Dry in China

Insiders and outsiders alike have long acknowledged the negative consequences for China of a major economic slowdown in that country. Without enough growth to keep its people busy and stomachs full, the world's most populous country faced the threat of destabilizing social unrest.

That is not the only thing that has kept Chinese authorities (as well as policymakers elsewhere) awake at night, however. The availability of essential resources, including fresh water, has also been at the forefront of official concerns. Under the circumstances, the following BBC News report,"China Declares Drought Emergency," is a development worth watching.

China has declared an emergency in eight northern and central drought-hit regions, where nearly four million people are suffering water shortages.

Nearly half of China's winter crop - some 10m hectares (24m acres) of wheat and rape seed - are also under threat.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao ordered all-out efforts to fight the drought, allocating 400m yuan ($58m, £40m) in relief assistance."

Please follow the link for the rest.