F2 - SEM1 - What is drought - Case Study

Question 1

When did China government introduce the South-North Water Transfer Project?

Answer 1

2002

Question 2

What is the problem the South-North Water Transfer Project trying to solve? How?

Answer 2

solve water shortage problem in Northern China and reduce the risk of flooding along Chang Jiang
build extensive water channels to transfer water from Chang Jiang to the north

Question 3

What are the 3 routes of South-North Water Transfer Project?

Answer 3

Eastern route - supply water to Tianjin and Jinan; began operating in 2013
Central route - supply water to Beijing, Tianjin, Henan and Heibei; began operating in 2014
Western route - supply water to Huang He; expected to be completed in 2050

Question 4

Which regions are supporter and opponent of South-North Water Transfer Project?

Answer 4

• Supporter: Northern region
• Opponent: Chang Jiang Basin

Question 5

What are the benefits of South-North Water Transfer Project?

Answer 5

• promote economic development - increase water supply for farming and industrial activities
• improve navigation along Huang He - transport costs of raw materials and goods are reduced
• improve water quality - more water in Huang He to dilute pollutants
• fight desertification - more tree can be planted

Question 6

What are the problem of South-North Water Transfer Project?

Answer 6

• disrupt economic activites - reduction in river discharge reduces the supply of hydro-electric power
• damage natural scenary along Chang Jiang - large infrastructure such as dams and pumping stations
• lower water quality - less water in Chang Jiang to dilute pollutants
• damage wildlife habitats - animals such as dolphins are threatened