The Yangtze River runs for more than 6,000 kilometers through six countries – China, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. It is an important source of water, agriculture, power, and recreation and has been integral to the development of civilization in East Asia since ancient times.
China has the primary share of the Yangtze, claiming 93% of the basin. This makes sense considering that the river starts in the Tibetan Plateau and runs mainly through the People’s Republic. Along the way, it passes through the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, and Hunan, before reaching its terminus in Shanghai.
Altering the topography of China, the Yangtze has been an engine of economic growth for centuries. It has seen the development of major cities like Chongqing and Nanjing. The river does bring its share of challenges. It has a tendency to overflow, which causes dangerous floods, as well as sediment build-up in key parts of the river.
Nevertheless, the Yangtze continues to offer a wealth of benefits to Chinese society. For example, its system of dams, locks, and canals provide hydroelectric power to many parts of the country. In addition, China uses the river to transport billions of tons of cargo every year.
The Yangtze makes up a major portion of the shared border between Myanmar, China, India and Bangladesh – and each country has a stake in the river. Fishing is important in many of these locations, while other countries are keen to develop the hydropower potential of the river.
Environmentalists and hydrologists alike worry about how these developments might impact the Yangtze. Deforestation, urban and agricultural runoff, and climate change threaten to irreversibly damage this waterway.
Much of our understanding of the Yangtze River is based on decades of research and oral traditions passed down through generations. So there is a great deal of value in Chinese art and culture that shows the Yangtze in literature, music and paintings.
Preservation and Conservation
China is using ambitious methods of preservation and conservation to help protect the Yangtze River. This includes a series of nature reserves, national parks, and protected areas along its banks.
For example, there is the recently created ‘Tiger and Leopard National Park’ along the central reaches of the river, as well as the ‘Three Gorges Dam’, which is located on the upper stretch.
These measures exist to protect landscape and wildlife, while discouraging illegal activities like dumping, poaching, and deforestation. Similarly, organizations like ‘Green Yangtze’ are also working to restore parts of the river and educate local communities about responsible water management.
Overall, the Chinese government has implemented a range of plans to restore and protect the Yangtze River. Such measures have been praised by the UN, though the crisis is far from over.
Agriculture and Industry
As a major water source, the Yangtze is integral to local agriculture. It provides irrigation, fish catches, and fertilizer to farmers in China and its neighboring countries.
The irigation capabilities of the Yangtze River have made it possible for local communities to raise an abundance of crops such as cotton, grain, and tea. Furthermore, this has enabled farmers to increase their yields and bolster their revenue.
Industry is also a major contributor to the Yangtze’s economy and ecology. Shipping is the heart and soul of the region, with hundreds of barges and cargo ships using the river every day. The rapid expansion of major cities has also created a demand for materials, fuelling the growth of industries like metallurgy, chemical manufacturing, and construction.
Moreover, since the 1950’s, the Yangtze has served as the primary hub for Chinese oil production. Oil is important both for economic and political reasons, and can be found in the waters of the Three Gorges Dam.
The Environmental Impact
The pollution of the Yangtze River is a major source of concern. Together with the deforestation of vast swathes of land, it has caused nutrient loss, ecosystem decline, soil erosion and species extinction. In particular, China’s over-reliance on coal and its archaic energy infrastructure are significant contributors to pollution levels in the Yangtze.
The amount of oil spilled into the Yangtze since the 1950’s is estimated to be around 20 billion barrels. This includes the 4-million-barrel spill from a pipeline in 2010 and the 2-million-barrel spill in 1991. Such incidents have had a devastating impact on the environment.
Moreover, the complex network of canals and tributaries of the Yangtze has allowed pollutants to spread far and wide. As such, the river has seen a decrease in fish populations, as well as toxic salts and metals like zinc, lead, and mercury.
Alternative Solutions
In 2004, the Chinese government released an ambitious Three Gorges Project. It was designed to reduce the pollution levels of the Yangtze and provide a source of renewable energy. In total, the project took two decades to finish and cost billions of dollars.
Additionally, a variety of organizations have called on the public to reduce their individual impact on the environment. Examples include campaigns to reduce plastic pollution, use electric vehicles and save energy by turning off lights and appliances.
Elsewhere, global environmental groups have held dialogues between China and other countries in southeast Asia. This is to promote cross-border conservation efforts and encourage grassroots initiatives to save the Yangtze. To this end, some NGOs have helped to expand the coverage of conservation areas. They have also funded projects to reintroduce wildlife species into their habitats.
Yangtze as an Economic Driver
In recent years, there has also been a surge in tourism along the Yangtze River, driven by the promise of natural beauty and cultural history. Many cruise ships have become popular spots for sightseeing, while remote towns and villages offer various touristic activities and opportunities.
Overall, the Yangtze River has been a major driver of economic growth in China and the surrounding countries. It has enabled local communities to build infrastructure, create jobs, and expand markets. And even though the river faces a range of environmental problems, there are still plenty of opportunities to act sustainably and benefit from its resources.
Environmental Education
The importance of educating local communities is often underestimated. It is only through such measures that we can properly protect the Yangtze and its ecoystem, and the WWF is at the forefront of this effort.
The WWF has established several initiatives in China and other countries in the basin. This includes programs on water and energy efficiency, as well as conservation and sustainable management of the river.
In addition, the WWF has collaborated with a range of universities, environmental groups and private companies to spread vital awareness about the threats of climate change and pollution.
Ultimately, it is vital that we recognize the significance of the Yangtze and understand that we are responsible for protecting it. Only then can we truly hope for a brighter future for the river and everyone who calls it home.
