Rising temperatures threatens China food supplies

Source: CCTV.com | 01-04-2007 10:52

A recent government report has warned that rising temperatures may pose a grave threat to long-term food supplies in China, the world's most populous country.

The report points out that global warming will endanger China's ecological, social, and economic systems, particularly in such areas as farming, animal husbandry, and water supply.

If no measures are taken in the immediate future to stop the release of greenhouse gases, China's output of major crops, including rice, wheat, and corn, could fall by as much as 37 percent in the second half of this century.

The average temperature in China has already risen by 0.5 to 0.8 degree Celsius in the past century. It is expected to go up by another 2 to 3 degrees in the next 50 to 80 years.

The report also predicts that more floods and draughts will hit the country as more water evaporates from its rivers. Coastal areas in particular will be in danger, as China's sea level may climb by 1 to 16 centimeters by 2030.

According to the recently released report, in order to combat the problems associated with climate change, it is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and develop advanced nuclear energy, as well as other renewable energies.

Editor:Du Xiaodan