29% of China's population live on sinking land: study

A new study has found that nearly half of China's urban areas, where 29% of the population resides, are experiencing significant land subsidence, sinking faster than 3 millimetres per year, affecting 270 million people. Another 67 million are on land subsiding over 10 millimetres annually. Predominantly driven by extensive groundwater extraction and the weight of urban structures, the subsidence is heightening flood risks, particularly in coastal regions. Despite existing protective measures such as massive dike systems in cities including Shanghai, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water management and infrastructure maintenance to mitigate risks. (CNN)