Drought in the Yellow River Basin

Drought in the Yellow River Basin

In the 2020s, drought in the Yellow River basin has worsened, particularly affecting urban areas like Zhengzhou and Lanzhou, where water supply has become unstable. The Yellow River supplies water to about 12% of China's population and is a crucial resource for agriculture and industry. However, due to climate change and excessive irrigation, water flow has significantly decreased. An annual water shortage of 3 billion cubic meters has been reported, impacting crop production. The government has attempted to regulate water flow using the Three Gorges Dam and Xiaolangdi Dam, but these measures have not been sufficiently effective. Additionally, State Grid Corporation of China is working to improve the efficiency of hydropower, but further technological innovation is needed. Industrial wastewater pollution has also exacerbated the issue, making sustainable water management critical.