Tibet introduces program to handle climatic changes

　　In recent years, glaciers in the Himalayan area have been shrinking at an annual rate of 10-15 m.(File Photo)

　　BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Tibet has introduced a program to cope with climatic changes in a move to reduce the impact of global warming on its environment, according to Tibet Business.

　　The program outlines specific measures to lessen the emission of greenhouse gas in key sectors most seriously affected by the climatic changes, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, the natural eco-system and the manufacturing industry.

　　Such measures include developing renewable energies, optimizing the energy structure, boosting the construction of energy-efficient buildings and improving the mode of livestock breeding and management.

　　Tibet is one of the regions worst hit by global warming. Statistics show that from 1961 to 2007, the average annual temperature in Tibet rose by 0.32 Degrees Centigrade every decade, sharply higher than the national growth rate of 0.5-0.8 Degrees Centigrade every 100 years.

　　Experts warn that if the trend continues, it will cause environmental deterioration and water shortages in this region.

　　Tibet has abundant reserves of glaciers and frozen earth. The water melted from glaciers is estimated at 32.5 billion cu m, 53.6 percent of the nation‘s total.

　　However, in recent years, glaciers in the Himalayan area have been shrinking at an annual rate of 10-15 m. Glacier Rongbo, the largest of its kind in Tibet, located in Mt. Qomolangma area had retreated 270 m during the 1961-1997 period.

　　Such a continuous shrinkage is expected to result in a decrease in the replenishment source to inland rivers, especially to northwestern China, threatening sustainable development of oases in arid areas.