Unveiling the Tibetan Plateau’s Climate Challenges: China’s Hydro Projects Take Center Stage at COP 30 – IndiaWest News

BRASILIA — At COP 30 in Belem, global leaders focused on the Amazon while a small team from the Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo Pacific Affairs drew attention to another crucial environment: the Tibetan Plateau. Their mission was clear: highlight the pressing climate crisis occurring there.

Led by Jagannath Panda and Senior Associate Fellow Richard Ghiasy, the team participated as observers while engaging in discussions in Rio de Janeiro. They emphasized a critical point often overlooked in climate conversations. The Tibetan Plateau, known as Asia’s Third Pole, is changing rapidly and requires immediate attention.

The delegation noted that despite a strong focus on defending the Amazon, Tibet was largely ignored at COP 30. This absence poses growing risks. The plateau is warming nearly three times faster than the global average. As a result, glaciers are retreating, permafrost is weakening, and the major river systems originating there are destabilizing.

The consequences of these changes extend beyond China. According to climatologists, the Tibetan Plateau supports ten major rivers that supply water to nearly two billion people in South and Southeast Asia. As ice reserves diminish and rainfall patterns shift, countries could face significant challenges in securing food, managing energy resources, and preparing for natural disasters. Additionally, these changes may intensify existing geopolitical tensions in a densely populated region.

Beijing’s expanding network of hydro projects adds to the concern. Dams on major transboundary rivers are under scrutiny, especially the proposed Medog Water Diversion Project. This initiative could significantly alter the ecological balance of the Brahmaputra basin, potentially heightening tensions with neighboring countries.

Mining activities are exacerbating the situation. The push for lithium, rare earth minerals, and copper has led to habitat destruction and soil degradation. Moreover, the relocation of Tibetan nomadic communities has disrupted traditional environmental practices that once helped maintain balance at high altitudes.

Recent surveys show that 70% of experts believe the Tibetan Plateau’s climate issues will impact global weather patterns in the coming years. Engaging communities and advocating for better environmental policies can help mitigate future challenges.

As our climate crisis unfolds, we must not overlook critical ecosystems like the Tibetan Plateau. It’s time we treated it as a global priority, not just a regional concern.

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