Reality and Challenges of China’s Water Resources Management in the Context of Climate Change

Water is a fundamental and essential resource for sustainable and healthy development of natural environment and human society. China boasts considerable water resources but is below world average on a per capita basis, and is challenged by the disparity in temporal and geographical distribution and poor utilization of water resources, severe water pollution, etc. As water is closely associated with climate change, change in water resources amid climate change in the future might affect China’s water security. Based on the reality and challenges of China’s water resources, this chapter shall discuss the evolution of China’s water management system and the current water demand, as well as the trend in future. Next, a study of water resources risk and its temporal and spatial distribution in China’s power industry are introduced, concluding with policy recommendations for China to address the challenges.