Tibet is a strategic reserve area of water resources in China, and also the region with the most developed major rivers in Eurasia. There are 6418 rivers with a drainage area of more than 500000 square kilometers in the region, with a total length of 177300 kilometers; The average annual runoff is 439.4 billion cubic meters, which is a true source of rivers in China and even Asia.
The Qinghai Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law determines the establishment of a coordination mechanism for ecological protection on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau by the state, further clarifying the ecological protection responsibilities of various regions on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and helping to coordinate cross regional and cross departmental solutions to major issues related to river source protection.
It is recommended to actively carry out artificial rain enhancement operations under the unified design and layout of relevant departments.
The Qinghai Tibet Plateau, the roof of the world, is one of the most sensitive regions to global climate change, with a warming rate exceeding the global average warming rate during the same period. As an Asian water tower, the glaciers and snow lines on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau are highly sensitive to warming and will directly affect the water supply on the plateau, thereby having significant impacts on agriculture, industry, and human survival in downstream areas.
Huang Jianping, an academician of the CAS Member and professor of the College of Atmospheric Sciences of Lanzhou University, has taken root in the northwest and has been engaged in semi-arid climate observation, change mechanism and prediction research for a long time. He led the team to obtain rich basic data and new insights through a large number of field experiments, combined with satellite data and numerical simulation analysis. 'The strategic position of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau is prominent, and we need to explore the establishment of a long-term mechanism for the management and protection of plateau river sources, seize the opportunities for the implementation of the' Qinghai Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law of the People's Republic of China ', focus on new trends and solve new problems, and make positive contributions to creating a national ecological civilization highland.' Huang Jianping said in an interview with a reporter from 'Outlook' News Weekly.
The Asian Water Tower Concerns the World
Outlook: In what aspects is the role and sensitivity of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau in climate change reflected?
Huang Jianping: The Qinghai Tibet Plateau is the highest plateau in the world and an important geomorphic unit in China. In addition to its unique plateau climate, it also has significant impacts on regional and global climate. In spring and summer, the special terrain makes the Qinghai Tibet Plateau an elevated heat source, mainly affecting the Asian climate through thermal forcing; In winter, the Qinghai Tibet Plateau is a cold source that mainly affects the climate in Asia and even the world through dynamic forcing. The Qinghai Tibet Plateau can change vertical circulation through thermal effects, causing abnormal signals from the plateau to expand outward to a wider region, thereby affecting global atmospheric circulation. Moreover, the plateau topography plays an undeniable regulatory role in global sea surface temperature and ocean currents, and plays an important role in shaping the global climate. Against the backdrop of global warming, with the warming and humidification of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, the impact of the plateau on global climate is intensifying.
Overall, the Qinghai Tibet Plateau is highly sensitive to global climate change and is the region with the fastest climate change in China. In the past 50 years, the temperature on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau has shown a significant upward trend. Especially after entering the 21st century, the warming of the plateau has become more significant, exceeding twice the global warming rate. The rising temperature has exacerbated potential ecological risks. For example, extreme precipitation is more frequent in summer; The intensification of glacier melting leads to a decrease in the amount of freshwater stored by glaciers; Glacier melting leads to rising sea levels, posing a threat to the human living environment.
Outlook: What are the key points in protecting the Asian Water Tower? How to further strengthen the protection of river sources in Xizang?
Huang Jianping: The Qinghai Tibet Plateau is known as the 'Water Tower of Asia', mainly because the average altitude of this vast plateau is more than 4500 meters. The snow and glaciers on the plateau store a lot of fresh water resources. After melting, these solid water converges into the source of several major rivers in Asia, including the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Mekong River, the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Indus River. The Qinghai Tibet Plateau provides a continuous supply of fresh water to downstream countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These rivers play an important role in regulating the water resources of the entire Asian continent and have a crucial impact on agriculture, industry, and human survival in the downstream areas.
In recent years, the Chinese government has attached great importance to the ecological protection of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, carried out a lot of work, and made a series of progress.
One is to conduct research on the laws of climate change on the plateau and the response to climate warming. China has established a monitoring network for the ecological environment of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, which conducts systematic monitoring and scientific research on climate, hydrology, and biodiversity. This includes conducting the second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, conducting in-depth research on the mechanisms and impacts of changes in the plateau's ecological environment from multiple aspects such as atmosphere, ecology, and environment. Given that the warming rate of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau is significantly faster than that of other regions in the world, the Chinese government calls on countries around the world to take joint action to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on plateau ice and snow cover.
The second is to strengthen infrastructure construction and resource development management measures. To ensure the sustainable utilization of water resources in the plateau, scientific design and construction of infrastructure such as hydropower stations have been carried out. Measures such as protecting the source water, regulating water intake and use, and prohibiting illegal mineral mining have effectively reduced damage to the plateau and water source pollution.
The third is to increase efforts in ecological restoration and environmental protection. By means of afforestation and land degradation control, vegetation can be restored and protected. Implementing a grazing rotation system to effectively improve the sustainable utilization rate of grasslands on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and the protection of wildlife. These measures have further protected the ecosystem of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and improved biodiversity.
In the future, it is still necessary to further strengthen the protection of river sources in Xizang to ensure the sustainable development and ecological security of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.
Firstly, continue to conduct research on the impact of climate change on the plateau,such as the impact of climate warming on the melting degree of plateau glaciers and snow, as well as the impact of changes in precipitation and temperature on natural reservoirs.
Furthermore, strengthen ecosystem protection and disaster preparedness plans. Scientific management should be carried out at the national and regional levels to standardize the use of land and water resources, reduce overgrazing and land degradation through sustainable land management methods, and protect the unique ecosystems of glaciers, permafrost, wetlands, grasslands, and high-altitude habitats on the plateau. Pay attention to the diversification of the local economy, develop ecotourism and sustainable agricultural industries, and alleviate the pressure of human production and life on nature. Disaster preparedness plans should also be developed to address potential climate and environmental disasters caused by accelerated melting of glacier snow and extreme precipitation.
Thirdly, strengthen publicity and international cooperation. Enhance public awareness of the importance of protecting the Asian Water Tower and strengthen the sharing of climate and environmental observation data with neighboring countries.
Carry out the protection of river sources in accordance with the law and science
Outlook: The Qinghai Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law has been implemented recently. What are the highlights of the protection of river sources in Tibet?
Huang Jianping: The Qinghai Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law provides a solid legal guarantee for the sustainable development of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. In terms of river source protection in Tibet, I think there are the following highlights:
One is to establish a coordination mechanism for ecological protection on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau by the state, further clarifying the ecological protection responsibilities of each region on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, which will help coordinate cross regional and cross departmental solutions to major issues related to river source protection.
The second is to establish the basic principle of prioritizing ecological protection in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. We should highlight the construction of ecological security barriers and ecological protection and restoration, especially by clearly pointing out that relevant departments of the State Council and local governments should strengthen the ecological protection and restoration work in the Three River Source areas. In addition, clear regulations have been made for the protection and restoration of natural grasslands and wetlands in important ecological locations such as the headwaters of major rivers.
The third is to pay attention to the supporting role of technology in the protection of the river source. The ecological environment in the source area of the Yangtze River is jointly affected by climate change and human activities. By strengthening the investigation of the natural resources and ecological environment of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, improving the monitoring network system, conducting research on major scientific and technological issues and constructing major scientific and technological infrastructure, and promoting long-term research, it will help to achieve classified policies and comprehensive management of the source area of the Yangtze River.
Outlook: Do you have any suggestions on scientifically protecting the river sources in Tibet according to law?
Huang Jianping: Tibet is a strategic reserve area of water resources in China, as well as a region with the most developed rivers in Eurasia. The following suggestions are made for scientific protection of river sources in Xizang according to law:
Firstly, in terms of monitoring, strengthen the coordinated observation of water resources by heaven, earth, and air. This includes real-time monitoring of water stock, source water quality, water flow, as well as monitoring changes in animals, plants, soil, microorganisms, etc. closely related to water resources. Precious monitoring data can provide scientific basis for safeguarding ecological security in Xizang.
Secondly, in terms of management, improve water resource management capabilities. Organize social forces to develop water resources, coordinate the relationship between economic and social development and water resource utilization, handle water use conflicts between departments and regions, supervise and restrict unreasonable development and behaviors that harm water sources, and formulate optimized scheduling plans for water supply systems and reservoir engineering.
Thirdly, in terms of flood control and disaster reduction, river and water conservancy departments need to timely improve the content of flood control and disaster reduction systems based on monitoring and management work. This includes specific standards for reporting flood disasters and specific measures to address varying degrees of flood disasters.
Strengthening scientific research to support the construction of ecological highlands
Outlook: Why did you conduct research on dust aerosols and their climate and environmental effects during the second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai Tibet Plateau?
Huang Jianping: The study of dust aerosols and their climate and environmental effects belongs to the sub project of human activities and environmental safety in secondary scientific research. The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics and sources of dust aerosols on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, quantify the impact of dust aerosols on weather and climate, and reveal the relationship between dust and human activities and climate and environmental processes.
The Qinghai Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas are currently one of the regions with the highest natural and anthropogenic emissions of dust aerosols in the world, and are typical fragile and sensitive areas for ecological environment and climate change. Dust aerosols alter the atmospheric thermodynamic structure through a series of physical and chemical processes, thereby affecting local and regional climate change. For example, dust aerosols deposited on snow and ice can alter the albedo of snow and ice, accelerate glacier melting on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and exacerbate climate and environmental changes. In recent decades, dust aerosols and other pollutants in the atmosphere of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau have been continuously increasing, not only causing serious harm to regional production and daily life, but also profoundly affecting the radiation balance of the Earth atmosphere system and the climate and environmental changes around the plateau, East Asia, and even the world.
Conducting research on dust aerosols and their climatic and environmental effects can provide a deeper understanding of the important impacts of plateau dust aerosols on regional and global climate change and environmental evolution. Up to now, we have conducted a series of scientific investigations on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and achieved multiple important scientific results. These research results can provide technological support for climate change response strategies, environmental protection measures, and the construction of ecological civilization highlands on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.
Outlook: What achievements have been made in this study? How will it serve the work of protecting Asian water towers and building ecological highlands?
Huang Jianping: The Qinghai Tibet Plateau generates significant atmospheric dynamics and thermal processes due to its unique terrain and landforms, and the inconspicuous dust aerosols can have a significant impact on these thermal and dynamic processes. During the second scientific expedition, we conducted a large number of field experiments, combined with satellite data and numerical simulation analysis, and obtained rich basic data and new understanding. We revealed how the Qinghai Tibet Plateau affects sand and dust transport, modulates plateau thermal dynamics, changes atmospheric circulation patterns, and thus affects the weather and climate around the plateau and downstream areas. This study not only serves the protection of Asian water towers and the construction of ecological highlands, but also lays the foundation for conducting research on the impact of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau on global climate.
Our main achievements include: we found that the Qinghai Tibet Plateau is a global transfer station for sand and dust, which can lift and transport sand and dust to the top of the troposphere, determining the path and total amount of sand and dust transport downstream; We have revealed the spatiotemporal pattern and climate environmental effects of dust and sand on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and elucidated the relationship between the formation of surface dust and plateau tectonic activity and river geomorphological evolution; We quantitatively calculate the impact of sand and dust on plateau snow (ice) and vegetation, serving the protection of plateau ecological environment.
In addition, our team has also gained some new insights into the impact of water vapor transport in Asian water towers, cloud water resources, and atmospheric particulate matter on cloud precipitation. The water vapor and cloud water resources above the Asian Water Tower can not only supply plateau glaciers and groundwater through precipitation, conserve surrounding rivers, but also be exported downstream through the westerly belt to alleviate the arid climate in the surrounding areas.
Based on reports from relevant fields, we are also considering how to find scientific means to replenish the water reserves of Asian water towers, effectively reducing the risk of tower imbalance and water reserve loss. I believe that under the unified design and layout of relevant departments, artificial rain enhancement operations should be actively carried out to keep water in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.
(Outlook, 2023, Issue 40-41)
Text | Reporter Liu Wenbo and Tian Jinwen from Outlook Newsweek
Image | Xinhua News Agency
Executive Editor | Zhou Yajin
Responsible Editor | Zhou Yajin
Reviewed by Zheng Shuang
