China’s campaign to create artificial water surfaces in drought-affected regions must consider prevention measures for ecological problems

Abstract

Many new cities have developed in China in recent years and older cities have expanded substantially. These newly built urban areas incorporate vast expanses of water landscapes for aesthetic purposes and enhance the quality of the living environment. Considering the uneven distribution of water resources in China, concerns have been raised over the impact of creating such large-scale water surfaces on ecosystems of the country's northern arid region. The methods for creating surface water bodies in the arid cities of northern China are examined and the internal driving factors are analyzed. The authors advocate that these cities should exercise caution when creating artificial water landscapes and that such projects must be scientifically sound.