It's about time, and probably too late

I've noted the environmental challenges (putting it mildly) that China is facing on this blog before.  Well, one thing that an oppressive government that wants to keep its people happy needs to do, so they don't revolt when they feel betrayed by a government that's not watching out for their best interests, like their health and well being, is to make sure that they have water to drink.  And not just any water, but water that doesn't make them sick or give them cancer.

So China is wisely investing a whole lot of money, to the tune of $636 billion, in projects to keep the water flowing, and hopefully also reasonably clean, drinkable and potable.  That makes a great deal of sense.  Given the population, the pollution, the agriculture, and the massive economic growth and development, it may still not be enough.  But clearly they recognize that they've got a problem to address.

"China's Minister of Water Resources Chen Lei said the government is planning to invest $636 billion through 2020 in various projects to harness water and prevent related disasters.

more...

"To address water safety, [Minister of Water Resources] Chen [ Lei ] said the Chinese government has decided to speed up the construction of rural water supply projects so that they are completed by 2015.

Meanwhile, he said China will implement a strict water resources management system, create a society that prioritizes water and soil conservation and rehabilitation and intensify the protection of rivers and lakes.

The investments will be used to treat heavily polluted rivers and lakes and to enhance the recovery of water ecosystems in ecologically fragile areas, while attaching great importance to the effects of construction on the environment."

We'll see if they can tame this particular raging dragon.