From the perspective of casual and non-expert observers, it may seem that Yangtze River and the Yellow River are very closely related. After all, they both have a yellowish hue, they both flow in the Eastern part of China and they are both incredibly long and mighty rivers. In reality, however, Yangtze River and the Yellow River are two distinct rivers, and any confusion regarding their features and importance is in part due to their names.
Yangtze River is actually the name of two distinct bodies of water. The first is the Yangtze Mainstream, which all people recognize and is considered the “official” Yangtze River. It is the longest river in Asia, and runs for about 6,300 kilometers from its source in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau all the way to the East China Sea. The second, less known section is the Yangtze Estuary, which is the man-made cumulation of several converging rivers and tributaries that flow into the Yangtze Mainstream.
In contrast, the Yellow River, also known as Huang He, is the second longest river in China, traversing 5,464 kilometers in its extension. It has been dubbed “the cradle of Chinese civilization”, as it provided crucial sustenance and support for the settlements that appeared along its course during the Stone Age. The Yellow River is known for its unpredictable and fierce flooding, that have claimed countless lives through the years.
In terms of importance, neither of the two rivers is superior to the other. Both rivers have been instrumental in the creation of Chinese civilization and culture, as in the mainland of China agricultural activities depend heavily on the availability of water for irrigation. The Yangtze River has been the root of two out of the three most ancient Chinese philosophies, namely Taoism and Confucianism, both of which heavily influence the values and norms of modern day Chinese society. Similarly, the Yellow River has inspired countless folk songs and stories, and its natural riches are still exploited for their potential.
The similarity between the two rivers (other than their names) is mainly due to the fact that they share several geographical characteristics. They both start in the Tibetan Plateau, run in a northeast-southeast direction, and have a large number of tributaries and estuaries. Additionally, they both flow into the East China Sea, although the Yangtze River has its own estuary, while the Yellow River has multiple estuaries.
When it comes to their size and lack of pollution, the Yangtze River is clearly superior to the Yellow River. It is bigger, longer, has a larger drainage basin, and a much lower concentration of contaminants due to over-fishing, industrial effluent and agricultural runoff. It also produces more hydroelectric power than the Yellow River, and has been the recipient of several ambitious engineering projects that aim to provide its inhabitants with the resources they need to thrive.
Comparison of Water Quality
Comparing the water quality of the two rivers is essential in order to better assess their relative importance. It is true that both rivers suffer from a range of contaminants, such as particle pollutants, bacteria, heavy metals and organic pollutants, that originate from different sources, such as industrial effluence, agricultural runoff and domestic discharges. Nevertheless, the water quality of the Yangtze River is significantly better than that of the Yellow River. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, in 2015 the percentage of bacteria in the Yangtze River was much lower than that of the Yellow River. It is also important to note that the Yangtze River’s water quality assessment has improved since 2008, while that of the Yellow River has deteriorated significantly.
The Economic Significance of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is an essential part of the Chinese economy and the source of livelihood for millions of people along its course. According to the Ministry of Water Resources of China, in 2018 it was estimated that the Yangtze River provided water to over 17% of the population of the mainland and supplied around 11% of the GDP of the country. Additionally, tourism has been a major economic activity along the river, and several boats offer cruises to areas of great interest, such as the Three Gorges and the Yangtze Estuary. All in all, the Yangtze River has been an engine of growth for many of the provinces and cities that line its shores.
The Ecological Relevance of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River has been an important habitat for many species of plants and animals. It is home to many fish species, both endemic and migratory, that are an important source of protein for the local populations. Additionally, the Yangtze River has also been one of the main routes for the migration of animals, such as the Siberian Crane and the Red-crowned Crane, which use the river as their main food source. The presence of several wetlands, such as the Poyang Lake, has also enabled the creation of a diverse range of habitats, providing a safe haven for countless species.
The Impact of Pollution on the Yangtze River
Due to human activities and the lack of efficient regulations, the Yangtze River has been subjected to severe levels of river pollution. There have been several reports of industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater being discharged into the river, resulting in an increase in the concentration of pollutants in the water. It is estimated that the levels of nitrogen in the Yangtze River reach 80,000 tons each year. In addition, the Yangtze River Delta has also been affected by sand mining and other damages inflicted on the local ecosystems.
The Actions of the Chinese Government
The Chinese Government has taken urgent steps to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the pollution of the Yangtze River. Several pollution reduction plans have been implemented, such as the National Yangtze River Clean Water Scheme, which aims to reduce the concentrations of pollutants in the river to 10% of the target value. Additionally, the government has invested heavily in the implementation of efficient waste management systems, such as sewage treatment plants, to drastically reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. Furthermore, the Chinese Government has also stepped up their efforts to protect the river’s wildlife, and it is now working with several non-governmental organizations to develop plans to better protect the endemic species of the region.
The International Cooperation Regarding the Yangtze River
In recent years, the international community has begun to cooperate in the management and remediation of the Yangtze River. Several foreign governments, including those of the United States, Japan, and the European Union, have signed agreements with the Chinese government to share technical knowledge and resources for the benefit of the river’s inhabitants. Additionally, the international community has also provided financial resources for the development of projects aimed at tackling the pollution of the Yangtze River.
The Role of Local Communities in Protecting the Yangtze River
The people living along the banks of the Yangtze River have played a major role in protecting the river. Local communities, such as the fisherfolk of the Three Gorges, have been actively involved in campaigns to raise awareness on the dangers of pollution and fishing over-harvesting. Additionally, certain communities have developed extensive recycling schemes to reduce the amount of waste that enters the river. By working in conjunction with the government, these communities have achieved remarkable results in their efforts to protect the river.
Improvements in Water Quality in the Yangtze River
In recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the water quality of the Yangtze River. According to the monitoring efforts of the Ministry of Water Resources of China, there has been a decrease in the concentrations of pollutants entering the river, either through natural processes or through human activity, and the health of the river ecosystems has been improving. In addition, the Chinese government has implemented several initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and to reduce the demand for hydroelectric power.
Environmental Legacy of the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River has a long and complex environmental legacy. Its importance to the development of Chinese civilization and culture is undeniable, and its drainage basin remains an inexhaustible source of resources for the inhabitants of the region. However, the measures taken over the past few decades to tackle the river’s pollution have been inadequate and ineffective, and further efforts must be made to ensure the future of the river and its people.
