Populations at Risk in China

Flooding in China has displaced literally millions of people, with nearly 200 dead or missing thus far. The floods follow a long drought in the Yangtze region of the country.

The floods come after months of crop-destroying drought in the centre and north of the country.

Some areas along the Yangtze River have suffered their worst drought in half a century.

Despite the rain, officials have warned that the crop shortages and dislocation caused by drought will remain severe.

Analysts say crop shortages in China could affect prices around the world.

This is, of course, yet another reminder that we remain incredibly vulnerable to the whims of nature, and that as populations grow, we increase the number among us who are at risk, both directly and indirectly (especially if rises in food prices wind up increasing hunger in the world).