When the property manager in Tang’s residential area warned her about rising water levels, she rushed to her shop only to find it submerged. The sudden flooding in Guilin is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events affecting China, from floods in the south to droughts in the north.
The financial impact of these disasters is immense, with losses in the billions and an expected decline in rice harvest. Climate change is exacerbating these weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe events.
China’s response to natural disasters is being put to the test, with the need to reduce carbon emissions becoming increasingly urgent. The country’s transition to cleaner energy sources is crucial in mitigating the impact of extreme weather on both the environment and the economy.
As China grapples with the aftermath of these disasters, there is a call for stronger flood control measures and the adoption of advanced technologies for better disaster preparedness and response.