The Yangtze, or Yangzi, River is one of the longest in the world and runs for about 6,300 kilometres through eleven provinces in China, as well as two special administrative regions. It is the third-longest river in the world, next to the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. The Yangtze passes through multiple cities, providing water, transportation and other resources to the people who live on its banks. The origin of the Yangtze has been a bone of contention for a long time. Though widely accepted to originate from the Jiefang cun at the head of the Dangqu County in the Chinese province of Sichuan, some experts believe that the source of the Yangtze lacks definitive proof.
The Yangtze is renowned for its riverside scenery and 10,000 different rivers and streams that originate from it. There is no lack of breathtaking landscapes along the river, including the wind-eroded cliffs of Yangtze’s Three Gorges and the serene beauty of the Shengnongjia mountain region. Over 200 species of fish can be found in the Yangtze, several of which are under special conservation, among them the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon.
The Yangtze is a vital asset to the people of China, providing navigation and an essential source of water for its 11 provinces. Hydro-electric power for China is also generated at the various power stations along the river, providing energy for anywhere between 25 to 30 per cent of China’s population. On the economic level, the Yangtze supports a variety of businesses from trading and shipping to catering to tourists and more.
The Yangtze River Basin is essential for the support and prosperity of more than 500 million people. Though it’s importance has been in focus for a long time, the Chinese government began talking seriously about the protection and conservation of the river’s ecosystems only after a series of disastrous floods near the Three Gorges area. To this end, the Chinese government implemented a variety of initiatives, including the promotion of the fishing industry and the Three Gorges Project.
The River Yangtze passes through two distinct regions – the hilly areas of the western part and the flat plains of the eastern part. The river flows eastwards, eventually emptying into the East China Sea at Shanghai, after flowing through 11 provinces and diverting into two special regions. Along the way, the Yangtze passes several geographically diverse regions which gives the river it’s varied charm.
Though the Yangtze has benefited millions of people and is crucial to the Chinese economy, its length and geography make it vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change. During the summer months, for instance, the upper parts of the river can become dry due to higher temperatures and drought, making it difficult for the locals to access drinking water. Farmers have to confront the same issue when it comes to irrigation. Thus, measures must be taken to ensure the sustainability of the Yangtze River.
Floods
The Yangtze has a long history of flooding since it originates from the mountains and receives additional water from hundreds of tributaries. This can cause severe flooding along the river and the surrounding regions. Some devastating floods have occurred in modern times, such as the 1998 Yangtze River Floods, which caused thousands of casualties and billions of dollars’ worth of damage. To manage and mitigate the effects of flooding, the Chinese government introduced the Three Gorges Project, which consists of a series of dams and dikes along the river’s length.
Pollution
The Yangtze is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. This is due to a variety of factors, such as untreated wastewater from residential and industrial sources and agricultural runoff. Over a billion tonnes of untreated wastewater pour into the river every year and lead to a variety of deaths, illnesses and ecological disasters for the people of China. The Chinese government has taken various steps to reduce pollution, such as investing in sewage treatment facilities and setting strict strict air and water quality standards. Nevertheless, the issues around pollution still remain, and the river is still a major source of pollution in China.
Conservation Efforts
In recent years, the Chinese government has stepped up its efforts to conserve the Yangtze River and improve its overall ecological health. The government has sought to restore the river’s water quality and lessen the effects of polluting industries, while also introducing laws to protect the endangered fish species in the river, such as the Chinese sturgeon. Such efforts highlight the importance of the Yangtze as a vital asset to China’s economy and livelihoods of its citizens.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is having a huge impact on the Yangtze River, with the river’s enduring higher temperatures than ever before. Higher temperatures cause the glaciers in the mountains that feed into the Yangtze to melt, which in turn reduces the amount of water flowing into the river. This has led to significantly drier conditions in the Yangtze, reducing the availability of water for industry, agriculture and households. As such, the impacts of climate change on the Yangtze River are particularly severe and must be addressed with urgency.
