Water is Beijing's dirty little Olympics secret

[Contrary1]

Older article, but something that isn't getting a lot of press. I wonder if this was even considered when Beijing was picked. Not that it matters, I guess. As long as big money is to be made, the hell with the locals.

Games accommodated at expense of farmers, and long-term problem

"BEIJING - When 16,000 athletes and officials show up this summer, they will be able to turn the taps and get drinkable water — something few Beijing residents ever have enjoyed.

But to keep those taps flowing for the Olympics, the city is draining surrounding regions, depriving poor farmers of water.

Though the Chinese capital's filthy air makes headlines, water may be its most desperate environmental challenge. Explosive growth combined with a persistent drought mean the city of 17 million people is fast running out of water.

<snip>

The farmers have been ordered to grow only corn, which requires less water but also fetches a lower price than rice or vegetables.

The government offered about $30 in compensation, but farmers say not everyone received it. Too poor to buy coal, they carry discarded corn stalks home on their backs for fuel to heat their homes..."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23373004

[Fovea]

1. Now consider the Bush buyout

of the huge Paraguayan aquifer.