Knowledge to share

"The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is known as the water tower of Asia, because the melting ice feeds the major rivers in South Asia and Southeast Asia. If these glaciers continue to shrink, the upstream regions will face water shortages," said Xu, adding this will have a significant impact on downstream areas, including water for hydroelectric power stations, residential use and farm irrigation.

Xu noted that the methods used by the Chinese government to protect the nation's waters are worth sharing with the rest of the world, and he outlined four specific points.

First, China is a global leader in emissions reductions and green energy, and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality. Second, scientists and local agencies are collaborating to artificially increase snowfall to replenish glaciers and reduce losses. Third, China has been restoring grasslands for many years to improve the surrounding ecological environment of glaciers because grasslands reduce the impact of light-absorbing impurities as glaciers melt. Finally, the country is carefully managing the development of glacier tourism, recognizing the importance of water protection and implementing restrictions as needed.

In a move to protect glaciers in Xizang, the region's legislature adopted a law dedicated to the effort in late July.

The law, which took effect on Oct 1, provides specific guidelines for governments and relevant departments in glacier areas. It introduced a responsibility system and performance evaluation mechanism for glacier protection goals, and established punitive measures for violations.

"The regulation will effectively protect glacier resources, ensure the ecological safety of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and contribute to the preservation of the plateau's flora, fauna and landscapes," said Zhao Guiying, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xizang.

Xinhua contributed to the story.

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