Every year, the Yangtze River continues to shrink. Changes in the tide and water level have been documented since the 1950s, but the most serious decline began in 2009. On the surface, it might seem like this could just be the consequence of the climatic changes experienced over the last decade. But a closer look shows that the drying up of the Yangtze is due to over-extraction of groundwater and pollution.
In recent reports, experts have indicated that 40 billion cubic meters of groundwater are being extracted from the highlands every year. This extraction has negatively impacted the riparian environment, leading to decrease in land saturation near the riverbank, caused by soil erosion and insufficient rainfall. This leads to water levels becoming more shallow and increases evaporation.
Similarly, industrial pollution has caused a decrease in water quality, leading to blockages in the river, a decrease of marine species, and an increase of blooms of cyanobacteria, which further depletes the water. The toxic levels of iron, nitrogen and phosphorus have been constantly on the rise, and this has become a significant health hazard.
The drying up of the Yangtze is proceeding at an alarming rate, and if measures are not taken, this trend will not abate any time soon. According to experts, regional planning and hydrological monitoring should be implemented in order to maintain a stable water level in this region. Furthermore, the regional government should decrease extraction of groundwater, while also putting in measures to reduce contamination.
The damage done to the Yangtze River is deeper than just the surface level of water. This river has been an integral part of the Chinese identity and an integral source of income for thousands of people. The cultural and economic fabric of China is deeply connected to the river, which makes it all the more urgent that measures are taken to counteract the worsening state of the Yangtze.
Impact on Ecological System
The drying up of the Yangtze River has had a great impact on the wildlife species living in and around the river as well. There have been instances of fish and bird decline due to the decrease of food sources available. In addition, animals such as the Chinese alligator, Chinese giant salamander, and the Chinese giant softshell turtle are now considered endangered in the region.
The river also serves as an important avenue for migratory birds, but with the recent water levels, they have had to change their paths to safer ones. This means that they have had to adjust their habitats, and this could lead to further endangerment of the species.
On top of that, the gradual decline of the Yangtze River has led to the increased frequency of drought in certain parts of the Yangtze Delta, and this has caused a decrease in the average annual rainfall for the region. The dryness of the riverbed has further resulted in a decreased water flow rate and a decrease in water temperature.
Due to the reduced water velocity and decreased water flow, the sediments have been trapped in the river, leading to further shallowing of the river. This traps sunlight and leads to increased weed growth and silt accumulation, thus creating ideal conditions for cyanobacterial blooms.
Environmental Risks
The drying up of the Yangtze River is not only a threat to the local wildlife, but also to the people inhabiting the region. The decreasing water levels and increased contamination of the river has made it unsafe for human consumption. As a result, the people living in the area are facing a water crisis, with drinking water scarcity becoming a major issue.
The increasing temperatures and decreased water levels have also caused the spreading of contagious diseases, such as malaria and dengue, among the people inhabiting the region. The lack of a regular water supply for irrigation has further caused the rate of agricultural production to decline in the region.
The reduced water quantity has led to a decrease in barge traffic, which serves as an important lifeline for many people living in rural areas. This is an alarming but inevitable consequence of the Yangtze River declining.
The effects of climate change have also impacted the water level and balance of the Yangtze. With the water flow decreasing and rainfall becoming sparse, the river has become highly susceptible to the effects of climate change.
Intervention Efforts
The Chinese government has stepped in and implemented policy and regulations to decrease water extraction and to increase water security in the region. The government has imposed a new regulation capping the amount of water to be drawn from the Yangtze. Regional governments have also been setting up groundwater monitoring systems and are in the process of water-conservation measures in order to prevent the drying up of the river.
Additionally, measures have been taken to clean up the river and reduce the amount of polluted outflow. Environmental NGO’s, such as the World Wildlife Fund and China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, are actively working to reduce the damage done to the river and its biodiversity.
At the same time, the government has been providing funding to farmers and peasants to restore flood-defence infrastructure and to launch pilot projects on conservation agriculture. This has enabled them to reduce water loss while having a positive effect on the local environment.
The Chinese government is also encouraging individuals and organizations to develop more environmentally-friendly solutions and products that are able to reduce the amount of freshwater being used in daily life and industry. Incentives have been issued to industry and households for those who have taken up green infrastructure solutions.
Affected Lives
The drying of the Yangtze has caused hardship for a myriad of people, not only those living around it but also those in other regions. The farmers around the river rely on the river for agriculture, but with the water level shrinking every year, their livelihoods have been affected. This has led to a decrease in the food security of affected regions and has left many people in a state of destitution.
The danger to the Chinese people is not only limited to the economic loss, but their health has also suffered due to the water pollution. The increase in the levels of toxic metals, chemicals, and nitrogen has posed severe health risks, especially to those who rely on the river for bathing, drinking, and fishing.
Apart from the health risks posed by the pollution, the gradual decrease in water level has caused difficulties in navigation as well. Many of the fishing vessels were unable to access the deeper parts of the river, leading to a decrease in their catch of fish, thus hampering their livelihood.
The drying up of the Yangtze has taken a great toll for the people of China especially for those living in the river valley. It is absolutely essential that the Chinese government takes serious measures in order to save the Yangtze River, not just for its own health, but also for the livelihoods of the many people depending on it.
International Response
Many organizations, nations, and companies have come together to help in the conservation of the Yangtze River. The World Bank has allocated $1 billion to implement improvements to the water infrastructure in the lower reaches of the river. Similarly, the World Wildlife Fund has also organized a series of programs to restore the Yangtze’s riparian environment.
The International Commission for the Protection of the Yangtze River has been formed in order to provide support for river conservation, and many of the major countries in the world have agreed to contribute financial and technological resources in order to help save the Yangtze. This has been done in order to aid the people living in the affected regions, as well as to preserve the environment surrounding the river.
In order to further reduce the effects of the drought, there have been suggestions of constructing a reservoir and aqueduct system to help reduce the impacts of the over-extraction of water in the area. There have also been discussions of introducing different forms of water harvesting and water recycling systems to bring sustainability to the fresh water use in the area.
Many international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, have also stepped in and expressed their solidarity with the Chinese in order to save the Yangtze. These organizations have promised their unwavering support for the cause and have provided resources for the governments implementing river conservation plans.
Solutions
The drying up of the Yangtze has led to a dire situation in the region, but there are still many solutions to the problem. Measures can be taken to both mitigate the effects of the drought and pollution on the river, as well as to bring back water levels. The Chinese government has been actively involved in finding solutions, and their efforts are a promising sign.
Monitoring of the local environment should be done on regular basis, and stakeholders in the region should be kept updated with any changes. Regional and global governments should also aim at establishing a consensus on the matter by getting more involved in coordination and cooperation.
The Chinese government should also formulate policies which would protect the riparian environment while also benefitting the people living there. Measures can be taken to incentivize any initiatives that are aiming to reduce the effects of the drought and the pollution of the Yangtze.
At the same time, financial and technological resources should be utilized in order to set up a monitoring system, as well as initiate long-term water conservation plans. In essence, the local, regional and global governments, organizations and individuals should come together to save the Yangtze River.
Conclusion
The dangers of the Yangtze drying up are far greater than just the effects on the local environment, and urgent efforts must be taken to both mitigate the impacts of the drought and the pollution, as well as to save the river from becoming extinct. International organizations, governments, and individuals should come together in order to combat the effects of this environmental crisis, and strive towards finding a long-term solution to the issue.
