John Novis

Yellow River at Risk

China’s Mother River at Risk

In October 2005 a climate campaigner, glaciologist from China  

Academy of Sciences, videographer, Qinghai guide/cook, two

drivers, an assistant and a photographer (myself), spent two weeks

documenting environmental impacts at the source of the Yellow 

River on the Tibet - Qinghai Plateau also known as the Third Pole.

During our two weeks tour we witnessed an environment in

rapid transition, impacting, the landscape, people and wildlife,

in what appeared to be a ‘dress rehearsal’ for what was to

become, globally. The Tibet - Qinghai Plateau, where tradition

and geography had been largely untouched for centuries would

soon be radically changed forever.

Our story includes pastureland turning to desert, glaciers

collapsing and disappearing, major river drought, dried lakes and

the end of the century’s old Tibetan nomad.

After the tour the Chinese media took moderate interest in the

story., Reports were made for Greenpeace and interested NGO’s.

Social Media was just emerging, and Climate Change was still

misunderstood and not yet a global concern.

View of the Yellow River source, with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags in the foreground.

07 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

View of the Yellow River source, with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags in the foreground. ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
Flower, Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA ​

07 JUNE 2005 - Flower, Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Flower, Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA ​

07 JUNE 2005 - Flower, Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan prayer flags, Mount Anemaqing.

©2005 

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA Tibetan prayer flags, Mount Anemaqing.
 Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA
Tibetan prayer flags,  Mount Anemaqing.

©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan prayer flags, Mount Anemaqing.

©2005 

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

A comparison of Halong Glacier between 1981 and 2005. According to the analysis done by the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the glacier retreated by over 400 metres between 1966 and 2000
A comparison of Halong Glacier between 1981 and 2005. According to the analysis done by the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the glacier retreated by over 400 metres between 1966 and 2000.
Top Picture:
©1981 by courtesy of Professor Dr. Matthias Kuhle.
Bottom Picture:

©2005 Greenpeace/Novis

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.

08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River.
Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.



Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River.
Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.
Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINAGreenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat .

8 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINAGreenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Profile view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Glacier collapse on the western side of the Anemaqing mountain.

38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China.

Glacier collapse on the western side of the Anemaqing mountain. Black moraine deposit left after the glacier collapse in April 2004. In April 2004, a huge snow avalanche took place at about 38 km from Xiadawu township on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. With a combination of rising temperatures brought on by climate change and the geological challenge of steep slope gravity, the glacial tongue of Anemaqing collapsed with such force that it brought down heavy snow and dark moraine making up a large part of the mountain body. The collapse has spread vast quantities of glacial ice and black moraine over 5 km2 of vale and valleys, with worrying consequences. The moraine has created a dam by blocking the valley river and the quickly melting ice has resulted in, within 14 months, a large glacial lake (Glof) which threatens soon to overflow, which could cause the flooding of pasture land and may be of danger to the Xiadawu township of 100 households in valley below.Greenpeace is calling for due attention and action to deal with disasters that climate change brings about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission to stop climate change must be done now.
Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers. The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China's mother river the Yellow River.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers. The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China's mother river the Yellow River.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers. The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China's mother river the Yellow River.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers. The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China's mother river the Yellow River.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

8 JUNE 2005 - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

8 JUNE 2005 - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. View of the Halong Glaciers.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA View looking up the Halong Glaciers valley. Two climbers are seen on the foregroung ridge.

08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

View looking up the Halong Glaciers valley. Two climbers are seen on the foregroung ridge.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River.



Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA A section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body. The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yell

 8 JUNE 2005 - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.


Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINAGreenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat .

8 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINAGreenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.


Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.

8 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu documents glacier data.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
Greenpeace China Logistics Mr.Ma Jieyu takes in the view of the Halong Glaciers.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Detail of glacier melt water. Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.During the past 30 years the Tibetan plateau has warmed by 1 degree increasing rates of glacial retreat . From 1966 to 2000, glaciers in the Yellow River Source region retreated by 17% in area, causing the loss of 2.39 billion m3 of water from source of the river.

A section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
A section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.
Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.


A section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.
08 JUNE 2005 - Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
A section of the glacier recently broken away from the ice body.
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—the Yellow River.

Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.

Tibetan guide

Halong Glacier, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Tibetan guide
The Halong Glaciers, Mount Anemaqing count for over 96% of the total glacier that feed water into the source of Yellow River. During the past 30 years, Halong Glaciers have retreated by 17%! An alarming indicator of climate impact on the source of China’s mother river—
the Yellow River. Greenpeace calls for due attention and action to deal with the disaster that climate change can bring about and reminds all that reducing CO2 emission must be done now.
Two Tibetan girls go to work to tend their herds of sheep and Yaks on thin and patchy grassland.

 6 JUNE 2005 - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA

Two Tibetan girls go to work to tend their herds of sheep and Yaks on thin and patchy grassland. Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. The new desert (seen in picture) stretches for 7 to 8 km long.

A Tibetan girl rounds up her herd of sheep and Yaks on thin and patchy grassland.
6 JUNE 2005 - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA
A Tibetan girl rounds up her herd of sheep and Yaks on thin and patchy grassland. Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. The new desert (seen in picture) stretches for 7 to 8 km long.

Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China.

20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, CHINA

Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. The new desert (seen in picture) stretches for 7 to 8 km long.
Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China.

Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. The new desert (seen in picture) stretches for 7 to 8 km long.

A Tibetan Sheperdess and Tibetan guide pose in front of pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China.

A Tibetan Sheperdess and Tibetan guide pose in front of pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. The new desert (seen in picture) stretches for 7 to 8 km long.

c0906518 - 9 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA Greenpeace China Imacts campaigner Li Moxaun stands by a water depth marker at the ‘first bridge’ of the Yellow River source shows a relatively low water level. The river recently dried up completely a

9 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Dari county, Qinghai, Tibetan prayer flags adorn the "first bridge" of the Yellow River source. The low water level recently dried up completely and water level has dropped by 23% in the last 10 years due to climate change and the continuous ecological deterioration.
©John Novis
Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.​

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
©John Novis
Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.​

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother and child are beneficiaries of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
Tibetan child is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA
Tibetan child is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.
Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan mother is a beneficiary of anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Anti-poverty projects in Dari County, Qinghai, China.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances - TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. The new houses form part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The nomadic families in residence face a dramatic change in their way of life.


©John Novis

Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances&mdashTV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances&mdashTV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances&md

10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandmother, mother and two daughters) at home in their new house after moving last October due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances&mdashTV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship.
 10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA
Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. The new houses form part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The nomadic families in residence face a dramitic change in their way of life.

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship.
 10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. The new houses form part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The nomadic families in residence face a dramitic change in their way of life.

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship.
 10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

Construction workers building new houses for Tibetan nomadic people who have fallen victim to environmental hardship. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 6000 RMB subsidy. The new houses form part of a new compound with a planned 105 households presently being constructed. There will be 80 students who will join the local school. The nomadic families in residence face a dramitic change in their way of life.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.

0 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.
10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA
A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

Dari county, Qinghai, China. New houses in the Hua Shi Xia township, built for families victim of environmental conditions focing them from their traditional way of life.

Dari county, Qinghai, China. New houses in the Hua Shi Xia township, built for families victim of environmental conditions focing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances, stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The familie's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

Dari county, Qinghai, China. New houses in the Hua Shi Xia township, built for families victim of environmental conditions focing them from their traditional way of life.

Dari county, Qinghai, China. New houses in the Hua Shi Xia township, built for families victim of environmental conditions focing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances, stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The familie's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.
 10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA
A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.
 10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A grandfather and grandson at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.
10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A grandfather and grandson  at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township. Environmental conditions have forced them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government has supplied electrical appliances- TV, Stove, and furniture, with each such household getting a subsidy of 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life.
10 JUNE 2005 - Dari county, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic family (grandfather, son, daughter in law and two children) at home in their new house in the Hua Shi Xia township, due to environmental conditions forcing them from their traditional way of life. The Chinese government supplied electrical appliances—TV, Stove, and furniture, with each household getting 8000 RMB subsidy. Their house forms part of a new compound with 300 households already constructed. The family's nomadic lifestyle has undergone a major change.

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Halong Glacier, Mount Anemaqing, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuane witnesses the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuane witnesses the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuane witnesses the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuane witnesses the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

The frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

The frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

Abandoned road worker's accommodation with Tibetan prayer flagsQinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

Road workers gather on the Qinghai tundra region

Road workers gather on the Qinghai tundra region

Abandoned road worker's accommodation Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA
In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing


Abandoned road worker's accommodation Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA
In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing
Abandoned road worker's accommodation Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA
In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

Extreme changes in environmental conditions since the 1980’s is forcing nomadic families from their traditional way of life due to climate change and overgrazing increasing grassland degradation, depriving them of their livelihood.

10 JUNE 2005

Extreme changes in environmental conditions since the 1980’s is forcing nomadic families from their traditional way of life due to climate change and overgrazing increasing grassland degradation, depriving them of their livelihood. Under massive Chinese state engineering policies, many Tibetan nomads from the Yellow River source areas have already been removed from their land to urban areas where they live in concrete compounds facing increasing difficulties, lacking skills or language ability. Fluctuations in the amount of water at the Yellow River source are closely connected to climate change. Any abnormal climatic changes impact the amount of rain brought here. This has a direct effect on the grassland. If rainfall is high one year, grassland vegetation will grow well, but too little rainfall will cause a decline, directly affecting animals that rely on the grasslands. In the last 30 years, the region has lost 17% of its glaciers and the rate of melting ice is now 10 times faster than it has been for the previous 300 years. Environmental study in the region identifies further problems linked to climate change including: dried lakes, advancing deserts, subsidence from melted permafrost, soil erosion and threatened species such as the Tibetan Lynx and the Snow Leopard.

Abandoned road worker's accommodation Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

Abandoned road worker's accommodation with Tibetan prayer flagsQinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

A Tibetan nomadic shepherdess by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic shepherdess by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
Abandoned road worker's accommodation with Tibetan prayer flagsQinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

Abandoned road worker's accommodation with Tibetan prayer flagsQinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA
10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

In the Qinghai tundra region, 59 km from the Hua Shixia Township, stand deserted living quarters built for road construction workers. Foundations of the buildings are unsafe and main walls are prone to cracking and tilting due to tundra thawing

A Tibetan nomadic herdsman poses by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

 10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

A Tibetan nomadic herdsman poses by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

Cattle belonging to Tibetan nomadic herdspeople are seen by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.​

10 JUNE 2005 - Hua Shi Xia Township, Qinghai, CHINA

Cattle belonging to Tibetan nomadic herdspeople are seen  by the frozen lakes above the tundra, 59km from the Hua Shi Xia Township.

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land.

10 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau—the so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land.

10 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau—the so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

View of the Qinghai tundra region

View of the Qinghai tundra region

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land.

10 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau—the so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land.

0 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau—the so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

10 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA 90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degr

10 JUNE 2005 - Youyun Township, Maqin County, Qinghai, CHINA

90 km west of Youyun township, Maqin County, 4200 meters tundra region is recent degraded grazing land. Tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau&mdashthe so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day - Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA View of the Yellow River source, with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags in the foreground, shows a relatively low water level. The river recently dried up completely and water level

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day - Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View of the Yellow River source, with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags in the foreground, shows a relatively low water level. The river recently dried up completely and water level has dropped by 23% in 10 years due to climate change and continuous ecological deterioration.
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novi
Scientist Mr. Lo An'xin inspects tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague.

Scientist Mr. Lo An'xin inspects tundra deterioration caused by climate change underlies general grassland degradation throughout the Qinghai plateau region, while overgrazing makes the grassland more vulnerable to the assault of rat plague. 56 rats can eat up a sheep’s daily feed of grass. Nearly one thousand rat holes in each hectare not only wreck havoc on the grassland itself but undermines the grassland’s capacity to preserve water, thus in turn aggravated grassland deterioration finally leads to desertification.The speed and extent of tundra thawing are unprecedented under global warming on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau&mdashthe so-called third pole of the world besides Antarctica and the Artic. The ecological system of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is unique and vulnerable to climate change. Tundra thawing increases water infiltration of the soil, thus reducing the previous amount of water preserved in soil, causing the vegetation coverage of land to decrease. The disruption of the vulnerable ecological system by climate change, compounded with other factors such as overgrazing and rat plague can lead to complete grassland deterioration and final desertification.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to this lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County. Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.
©John Novis
4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.

©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.
 11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.


4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
4 people show the distance of lake water reduction after 20years.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.
Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001.

1 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
 11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification.
11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

A small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system is diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.​

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels h

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

esert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a  small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels h

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Desert flowers grow in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.​

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Remains of animal bones found in the basin of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001.

1 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan inspects a saline deposit, the only evidence left of a small lake in the Star Sea Lake area which completely dried up only 4 years ago in 2001. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan witnesses a small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system diminishing fast with approaching desertification.

 11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Greenpeace China Impacts campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan witnesses a small lake, part of the STAR SEA LAKES system diminishing fast with approaching desertification. Rising temperatures and quicker evaporation are contributing to the shrinkage of the lake and the lakeside wetland which ecologically serves as a buffer zone to protect the lake. Now with the wetland drying quickly, the deserts are approaching the lakes systems rapidly. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

11 JUNE 2005 - Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.
Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to this lake water reduction.
2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic mother and child - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

An Upland Buzzard is seen in the grassland that is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

An Upland Buzzard is seen in the grassland that is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Wolf - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Wolf - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©John Novis
12 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Souce of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Souce of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Souce of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Souce of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity.
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity. It has 2 generators, with the total installed capacity of 2400 KW. Now only one is working. The current water level of the reservoir is 4268 meters, only a bit higher than the lowest operating water level—4260m. (the highest is 4290m). Last year the power station didn’t generate any electricity at all and only started operating on April 14th. The station workers were forced to find odd jobs to support their lives. With better rainfall this year, the situation is slightly improved but the prospect looks bleak with diminishing water source and glacier retreat in the source region.

The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity.
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity. It has 2 generators, with the total installed capacity of 2400 KW. Now only one is working. The current water level of the reservoir is 4268 meters, only a bit higher than the lowest operating water level—4260m. (the highest is 4290m). Last year the power station didn’t generate any electricity at all and only started operating on April 14th. The station workers were forced to find odd jobs to support their lives. With better rainfall this year, the situation is slightly improved but the prospect looks bleak with diminishing water source and glacier retreat in the source region.

Source of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, China

Source of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, China

Source of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, China.

Source of the Yellow River Madhou county, Qinghai, China.

The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity.
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
The Chinese government invested over 100 million yuan to build the power station so that Maduo County—“the First County of Yellow River” could be powered by water to produce electricity. It has 2 generators, with the total installed capacity of 2400 KW. Now only one is working. The current water level of the reservoir is 4268 meters, only a bit higher than the lowest operating water level—4260m. (the highest is 4290m). Last year the power station didn’t generate any electricity at all and only started operating on April 14th. The station workers were forced to find odd jobs to support their lives. With better rainfall this year, the situation is slightly improved but the prospect looks bleak with diminishing water source and glacier retreat in the source region.

2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ​
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Shepherd, Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Shepherd,  Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA


Shepherd, Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Shepherd, Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

​Cattle graze at Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Cattle graze at Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

c1206524 - 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Yak and sheep bathing Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©2John Novis
Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA


Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ​
 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.
 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years

Pastureland is now rapidly turning to desert over a period of just three years - 20 km from Guo Maying county, Qinghai, China. Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes which allow winds to carry top soil sand, through unusual weather patterns to land on surrounding hills and grazing areas. 

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
View from Yak Head Mountain

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Local people ands view from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Yak and sheep bath in Eling Lake, Madou County, Qinghai, China.

Yak and sheep bath in Eling Lake, Madou County, Qinghai, China.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contiibuted to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.
View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake.

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddhist temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddhist temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA


2 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©John Novis
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Old woman at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Old woman at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years.

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View from Yak Head Mountain shows part of Zhaling Lake in the process of drying up and disintegrating from Eling Lake. Scientific data has showed water level in the region has dropped by 3-4 meters over the last 50 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming and rapid lake water reduction.

Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

View of the Qinghai tundra region

View of the Qinghai tundra region

View of the Qinghai tundra region

View of the Qinghai tundra region

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic young girl - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic young girl - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

c1206516 - 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic young girl - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic young girl - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

c1206514 - 12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

12 JUNE 2005 - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

Nomadic family - Eling Lake, Madou county, Qinghai, China.

12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.

12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.

Buddhist temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddhist temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

c1406564 - 14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China. Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived we

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.
Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.
©John Novis
Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005- 

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

©John Novis


12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.

12 JUNE 2005- Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

12 JUNE 2005-

Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Young man at Buddihst temple - Eling Lake, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA


Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Tibetan woman, 31 years old at her home in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.

Now she has 4 children one of which is handicapped. She once owned 20 cattle and 30 sheep and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now is dependent on her husband to go out to find odd jobs to support the family.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Dragon Boat Day -Star Sea Lakes, Madhou county, Qinghai, CHINA

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Since 1980s, a dramatic rise in climate temperature has caused the Star Sea (lake area) to reduced water levels at the rate of coastal retreat by 30 – 40 meters in 20 years. Greenpeace believes the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to this lake water reduction.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

(L - R) Scientist Mr. Lo An'xin, Yellow River Hydrologist Mr. Liang Hai Qing and Greenpeace China Impacts Campagner Ms. Li Moxuan view satelite maps of the Yellow River source at the Hydrology Bureau, Madou County.

13 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

(L - R) Scientist Mr. Lo An'xin, Yellow River Hydrologist Mr. Liang Hai Qing and Greenpeace China Impacts Campagner Ms. Li Moxuan view satelite maps of the Yellow River source at the Hydrology Bureau, Madou County. Data from satellite mapping shows the Star Sea Lake system was in fact once connected directly with the Yellow River source. Hydrological records, over the past 20 years now show the lakes have become independent inland lakes and evaporating at a rate far exceeding the rainfall uptake. Greenpeace and the science institutes are finding global warming and rapid climate change most likely to be responsible for this ecological phenomena.

The remains of the old county town.

Madou county, Qinghai, China. The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometres away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

The remains of the old county town.

Madou county, Qinghai, China. The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometres away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

The remains of the old county town.

Madou county, Qinghai, China. The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometres away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

The remains of the old county town.

Madou county, Qinghai, China. The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometres away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

c1306056 - 13 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global

13 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometers away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
Scientist Mr.Lo An'xin photographs degraded grassland near the Yellow River township. ​
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA
Scientist Mr.Lo An'xin photographs degraded grassland near the Yellow River township.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Major Star Sea Lake, Madhou County.

Climate team relax during shooting. Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Climate team relax during shooting.Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

The remains of the old county town.

13 JUNE 2005 - Madou county, Qinghai, CHINA

The remains of the old county town. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometers away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA
Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Climate team relax during shooting. Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Climate team relax during shooting. Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
Climate team relax during shooting. Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change.

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Climate team relax during shooting. Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.

15 JUNE 2005 - 38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.

15 JUNE 2005 - 38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.​

15 JUNE 2005 - 38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.

15 JUNE 2005 - 38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure. ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

15 JUNE 2005 - 38 km from Xiadawu township , Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, CHINA

Perma frost melting under the highway causes serious and dangerous damage to the road structure.
©2John Novis
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Grassland is rapidly degrading with the build up of sand dunes caused by recent changes in weather and wind patterns, almost certainly a result of climate change. Patterns predict that once the small lakes and grassland disappear then nothing can hold back desertification.
©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis
Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Local people of the Yellow River township ©John Novis

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Local people of the Yellow River township
©John Novis
c1406569 - 14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Local people of the Yellow River township ©2005 Greenpeace/John Novis

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Local people of the Yellow River township
©John Novis
Luo wa, 80 years old at home with his wife in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Luo wa, 80 years old at home with his wife in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China
He and his wife were once were owners of a large herd of cattle and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland they lost there livelihood and now in their old age live off government rations and have no income at all.

c1406551 - 14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Ben Luo 79 years old at home with his wife in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China. Ben Luo once owned 1400 sheep and 140 yaks and lived well from the profits of the herd. However thr

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Ben Luo 79 years old at her home  in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China.
Ben Luo once owned 1400 sheep and 140 yaks and lived well from the profits of the herd.
However through the increase in degraded grassland she lost her livelihood and now in old age live off government rations and have no income at all. She lives with her granddaughter.
©John Novis
Luo wa, 80 years old at home with his wife in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Luo wa, 80 years old at home with his wife in Yellow River township, Qinghai, China

He and his wife were once were owners of a large herd of cattle and lived well from the profits of the herd. However through the increase in degraded grassland they lost there livelihood and now in their old age live off government rations and have no income at all.

Greenpeace China Impacts Campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan (left) talks to locals people in Yellow River township.

14 JUNE 2005 - Greenpeace China Impacts Campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan (left) talks to locals people in Yellow River township. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometers away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

Greenpeace China Impacts Campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan (left) talks to locals people in Yellow River township.

14 JUNE 2005 - Greenpeace China Impacts Campaigner Ms. Li Moxuan (left) talks to locals people in Yellow River township. The town was abandoned and moved 30 years ago because flood waters from the Yellow river regularly flooded the town. Ironically, with the rapid increase in global warming in the past 30 years the site today is dry and degraded. In a cruel twist of fate the new site for the county town a few kilometers away might have to be moved yet again because of encroaching desertification.

©John Novis


Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Local people of the Yellow River township

14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA

Local people of the Yellow River township
Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA Local people of the Yellow River township
14 JUNE 2005 - Yellow River Township county, Qinghai, CHINA
Local people of the Yellow River township