Sea to "Engulf" Tract of China's Pearl River Delta
Date: 31-Aug-07
Country: CHINA
Some 1,153 square km (445 square miles) of coastal land
would be flooded by 2050, with the bustling cities of
Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, Zhuhai and Foshan the
worst affected, the China Daily said, quoting the provincial
water authority.
Hotter average global temperatures fuelled by greenhouse
gases meant the sea level along the coast of Guangdong was
forecast to rise by at least 30 cm (one foot) by 2050.
"Climate change will negatively affect the economic
development of Guangdong, which is currently one of the biggest
consumers of energy and producers of greenhouse gases," Du
Raodong, an expert at the Guangdong weather centre, was quoted
as saying.
The rising sea level would lead to a salt tide, posing a
huge threat to drinking water supply.
"Moreover, red tides (caused by high concentrations of
algae) will occur along coastal areas, affecting agricultural
production," said Du.
Yu Yong, director of the Guangdong bureau, warned that
global warming would bring about more drought and floods,
causing huge economic losses.
"More energy-saving industrial facilities should be
introduced in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Du
said.
Torrential rain has inundated large swathes of China's
east, south and southwest since June while a prolonged heatwave
and drought have afflicted several eastern provinces. More than
1,000 people have been killed in floods, mudslides and
collapsed houses so far this year.
"The climate has been abnormal," Vice Minister of Water
Resources E Jingping told a news conference this week.