Improving China’s Yellow River: Why Business and Government Need
to Work Together This piece was co-authored by Lijin Zhong,
Senior Associate from the WRI China office The Yellow River has
played a critical role in the growth and prosperity of Chinese
civilization for thousands of years. But today, the Yellow and
the people who depend on it face severe challenges. Stress of
limited water resources, pollution, and flooding pose
significant risks to communities and businesses that rely on the
river. As these stresses grow, China’s water managers and users
face the daunting challenge of implementing policies that
balance economy, ecology, and community. At the Yellow River
Commission’s annual Forum in September, water experts from
government, research institutes, the private sector, and NGOs
gathered to discuss problems facing the Yellow and potential
solutions for better water management. One sentiment that came
through loud and clear is that the only way to improve the
Yellow is for government and business to