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Citation |
Kim JU. Pacific Focus 2008; 23(2): 232-251. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
The “hexie shehui (harmonious society)” is China's new slogan under the Hu Jintao regime, which pursues social and political stability based on sustainable development and people's welfare. However, the country's severe water scarcity and pollution has been a clear fault line in its path to this “harmonious society”. It has threatened people's sustenance; caused grain loss; brought about aquifer depletion and its following land subsidence and seawater penetration; induced water-seeking migration; and, significantly, triggered conflicts and protests for water. China's political leaders are highly aware of the gravity of the problem and have contrived water-conservancy programs. However, as the Yellow River Allocation Program, the water consumption quota system/water price increase, and forestation programs demonstrate, the programs have not been implemented effectively due to their institutional flaws as well as the local government's parochialism and corruption. |