The Beijing office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies issued a press release Thursday saying, "new global threats of terror and epidemics of virulent disease only add to the unmet challenges created by such perils as rapid development and overcrowding, environmental hazards and natural disaster" in the world's cities.

Aside from terrorism, China faces multiple daunting challenges in all these areas as part of its drive to transform its 1.3 billion people from a predominantly rural to urban society. Officially China has 900 million rural residents and 400 million people living in cities.

According to figures released by China's National Bureau of Statistics, more than 130 million Chinese have rural residency status but live and work most of the year in the country's cities. Chinese media sources cite estimates of 180 million surplus laborers in the countryside, a figure growing by 8 million people per year.

China has a policy of creating new satellite towns and cities to alleviate the pressure on existing urban areas. A commentary run in the state-run flagship newspaper People's Daily in February said it was essential for an ever growing number of farmers to become permanent urban residents "as soon as possible."

The policy and race to urbanize China threatens the country's air and water resources.

In the abstract of its report for 2003, the China State Environmental Protection Administration described urban air pollution as remaining a serious issue. Of 340 cities monitored, none received the Grade I, or highest rating for air quality standards measured in sulfur dioxide concentration. Almost 42 percent of the cities had Grade II air quality, while 58 percent scored Grade III or worse.

In China's seven major river basins, major pollutant indicators include ammonia nitrogen, 5-day BOD, and petroleum. Water quality in tributaries remains dangerously poor.

During his government work report delivered in March this year, Premier Wen Jiabao unveiled a policy of "five balanced aspects," which included balancing urban and rural development, development between regions, economic and social development as well as finding a balance between man and nature.

Wen also stated China spent approximately $1 billion on disaster relief from floods, droughts, earthquakes in 2003, up 63.9 percent over the previous year. Another $340 million from the central budget went for post-disaster reconstruction.

Markku Niskala, secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, cautioned in the press release that "public authorities in all countries must ensure effective disaster preparedness and management measures are included in city planning" or urban dwellers will make up the majority of disaster victims in the near future.

Niskala will be one of the speakers at a symposium on the campus of Qinghua University May 9 in Beijing. The event, held in cooperation with the American Red Cross, is a centenary symposium on urban disaster preparedness. It will include an international exchange of experience in city-based crises such as Sept. 11, 2001 attack and the SARS epidemic in Spring 2003.

To date Chinese cities have remained unscathed by foreign terrorist groups operating on its soil. The Athens bombing 100 days before the start of the 2004 Summer Olympics highlights the need for emergency preparedness since Beijing will host the world's premiere sporting event in 2008. The American Red Cross plans to share the lessons it learned at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

According to Thursday's press release, "the government of China has recognized the importance of the Chinese Red Cross as an independent organization and a catalyst in the creation of civil society."

China has one of the world's largest national Red Cross societies with over 20 million members and volunteers working with central and local agencies in times of disaster. On May 8, which is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, there will be an official ceremony in Beijing's Great Hall of the People to celebrate the organization's centenary.

Finding effective ways to minimize urban disasters is among the main challenges facing the Chinese Red Cross organization at the start of its second century. Its emphasis in recent years has been a transition away from exclusive focus health and first aid issues towards provision of community-based social relief.

By aligning its activities with those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, new strategies are being adopted, including the development of integrated programs linking disaster management, health and care, plus water and sanitation.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2004 by United Press International. Sections of the information displayed on this page (dispatches, photographs, logos) are protected by intellectual property rights owned by United Press International. As a consequence, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, transmit, publish, display or in any way commercially exploit any of the content of this section without the prior written consent of by United Press International.

Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

Memory Foam Mattress Review

SPACE MEDIA NETWORK PROMOTIONS Solar Energy Solutions Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison ... Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News