Extreme weather calls for more attention

The torrential floods in the conventionally dry countries such as Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, and the serious drought in the pluvial basin of the Yangtze River, which directly resulted in the drying-up of the 3,200-square-kilometer Poyang Lake in Jiangxi province, are all grave reminders of the urgency of the climate emergency.

With previously abnormal climatic conditions becoming normal around the world, belated responses will result in a heavy loss of lives and properties.

In China, the current emergency management system is already outdated as it is largely designed on the premise that abnormal extreme weather conditions are rare, and it is basically limited to the mobilization of State power. A new emergency management system should pay more attention to engaging social organizations, the public and other non-governmental players.