On October 21, a reporter from China News Service learned from the Qinghai Climate Center that the temperature in the Sanjiangyuan area has risen, and precipitation has increased over the past 63 years.
Located in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, the Sanjiangyuan region is the watershed for the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang Rivers. Often referred to as the “Water Tower of China,” this area is known for its sensitivity to global climate change and serves as a vital water source and ecological barrier for the country.
According to meteorological data from the Qinghai Climate Center, from 1961 to 2023, the average annual temperature in Sanjiangyuan has increased by 0.35 degrees Celsius every decade, surpassing the national average rate of warming. Notably, since 1998, the average temperature in this region has shown significant increases, with a rise of 1.3 degrees Celsius from the 1961-1997 average for the period of 1998 to 2023. Furthermore, the rate of warming in the Yangtze River source area has been faster than in the Yellow River and Lancang River source areas.
Climate experts at the Qinghai Climate Center reported that between 1961 and 2023, the average annual precipitation in Sanjiangyuan has increased by 13.1 millimeters per decade, exceeding the rate of precipitation increase seen across the Tibetan Plateau during the same period. Additionally, the early 21st century marked a turning point in precipitation patterns, shifting from lower to higher levels. Comparing 2003-2023 to the average from 1961-2002, precipitation in Sanjiangyuan increased by 13%, with the most significant growth occurring in the Yangtze River source area.
