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October 28, 2006
Whacky water world
Image source: www.theepoch.times.com
I read somewhere recently, that early Taoist philosophers spoke of the virtues of humankind living in harmony with nature. Unfortunately, this philosophy does not seem to have much appeal for Chinese government officials whose penchant for whacky engineering projects continues to amaze.
The Economist this week runs a story, A modest proposal, on increasingly acute water shortages in northern China, and how it has even been suggested that water be diverted hundreds of kilometres from Tibet at a cost of tens of billions of dollars. This has been pooh-poohed by the Chinese water minister, who is more comfortable with the two less ambitious [sic] projects currently in progress to divert water from the Yangzi River. In characteristic style, The Economist prescribes market solutions. If only it were that simple. More realistic pricing will obviously help, but demand management (when it is largely inelastic demand) will always be a challenge politically. The Chinese might start by dropping their 'Disneyworld'-type mega-projects to focus on smaller scale supply side measures that improve efficiency of water supplies (e.g. water conservation, sewage treatment). This approach, aside from being more in keeping with the ancient Taoist philosophy, has the added advantage of being ecologically sustainable, reducing the likelihood of more problems down the track.
Posted by jeremy at October 28, 2006 10:57 AM
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Comments
It is amazing how technology can do traditional cultures. This is true for China as well as everywhere in the world. Our lifestyle has been very much affected by the internet technology, but it is a lifestyle that many will resist--(including someone I know who still refuses to use emails).
How new technology can be integrated with market mechanism is an economic problem that the Chinese government would have to address.
Posted by: CDProfs ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeremybwilliams.net/ruminations/nav-commenters.gif)
at October 29, 2006 01:59 AM
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