20 December 2019 – CWR co-authors the article “Evaluation of Water Resource and Water Environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and Relevant Policy Strategy” (长江经济带水资源水环境指标评估及对策) in the Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science).

This article was published in collaboration with China’s Foreign Economic Cooperation Office of Ministry of Environmental Protection and Beijing Normal University.

Using the World Research Institute’s map tools, the study found that six (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei and Sichuan) out of 11 provinces in YREB face ‘high’ or ‘extremely high’ water stress, or ten percent of the YREB in terms of area.

Low water efficiency in terms of economic values was the main reason why YREB is water stressed. In order to achieve the 2030 target of Three Red Lines, the YREB should increase its water efficiency of various industries and reduce water consumption.

The authors made a few suggestions based on the current situation of YREB provinces and cities. These include establishment of a comprehensive coordination body within the YREB, market mechanisms, a comprehensive policy framework, and relevant research supports.