Your current location:HOME >business >China's polar studies contribute to tackling climate change: researcher 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 15:49:23 Source: Internet compilationEdit:business
(Xinhua) 08:29, November 30, 2023This photo taken on Nov. 10, 2023 shows auroras in Ny-Alesund, Sval
This photo taken on Nov. 10, 2023 shows auroras in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
"By studying the effects of global warming on the polar biosphere and glaciers, we can predict major impacts it could have on the Earth's climate and environment in the coming decades if global warming continues," a Chinese researcher said.
OSLO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Polar research is becoming increasingly important in addressing the challenges brought about by global climate change, He Fang, lead of China's Arctic Yellow River Station, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Established in July 2004, the Yellow River Station is China's first Arctic research station. It is located in Ny-Alesund, a small town in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
Due to geographical factors, the polar regions are the areas most affected by global warming, He, an associate researcher at the Polar Research Institute of China, said.
Photo taken on July 25, 2023 shows the China Arctic Yellow River Station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. (Chinese Arctic Expedition Team/Handout via Xinhua)
The researcher spent more than two months at the Yellow River Station this summer. He said research in the Arctic conducted by scientists from various countries enables more succinct observations of climate change and its impact.
"By studying the effects of global warming on the polar biosphere and glaciers, we can predict major impacts it could have on the Earth's climate and environment in the coming decades if global warming continues," He said.
Currently, the Yellow River Station is involved in four flagship projects proposed by the Ny-Alesund Science Managers Committee, covering marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, atmospheric science and glaciology, according to He.
These multidisciplinary research activities play an important role in understanding global climate change and its impacts on polar environments, he said.
A member of the Chinese Arctic expedition team works at the China Arctic Yellow River Station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway, on July 25, 2023. (Chinese Arctic Expedition Team/Handout via Xinhua)
He recalled his first polar experience at China's Zhongshan Station research base in Antarctica, saying he was struck by the vast ice fields and distant icebergs.
"Due to climate change, the icebergs are melting, and it seems that they might disappear before long."
Global warming has a significant impact on glacier movements in the polar regions, He said, adding that multidisciplinary research activities are important in understanding global climate change and the impacts on polar environments.
Situated in the northwestern region of Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway's Arctic Svalbard archipelago, Ny-Alesund is the world's northernmost permanent settlement.
Li Bin, a deputy researcher at the Polar Research Institute of China, takes photos of auroras near the Yellow River Station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway, Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
Once a thriving coal mining town, Ny-Alesund now buzzes with the activities of polar researchers, hosting the world's northernmost year-round research station compound, which includes the Yellow River Station.
Polar life in the station is divided into two distinct seasons. The summer months are a hive of activity. Winter, however, ushers in a period of challenges as the relentless polar night descends. The rhythm of day and night blurs, with polar night enveloping the region for over 120 days from late October to late February.
During the interview, He, who had wintered at the Yellow River Station three times, also related stories that had happened in the international research community there.
Li Bin, a deputy researcher at the Polar Research Institute of China, takes photos of auroras near the Yellow River Station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway, Nov. 10, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
"Wintering often means being alone at the station for several months without daylight. This requires strong mental adjustment and constant calibration of one's biological clock to adapt to this unending night and isolation."
In this remote outpost, the canteen usually serves as a communal hub, providing sustenance for the international research community, He said.
"When visiting the canteen, if a fellow researcher from another country was found in low spirits or absent for several days, other people would make sure to check in and offer support."
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 20182024-05-21 15:49
LPGA monitoring health issues after 10 players withdraw from Mizuho Americas Open2024-05-21 15:48
After starting his day in jail, Scheffler finds peace on the course and a chance to win, too2024-05-21 15:48
Scheffler looks to the weekend after PGA Championship arrest2024-05-21 15:34
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos2024-05-21 14:44
Napheesa Collier scores 29 to help the Lynx beat the Storm 1022024-05-21 14:34
Dodgers acquire lefty Anthony Banda from Guardians for cash2024-05-21 13:49
Wanderlust unleashed after restrictions eased2024-05-21 13:47
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement2024-05-21 13:20
Ragans throws 7 scoreless innings as Royals win 62024-05-21 13:15
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?2024-05-21 15:41
China maps out key tasks in digitalizing countryside2024-05-21 15:14
Houston weather: Power outages from storm raise risk of hot weather2024-05-21 15:08
China ready to launch Chang'e2024-05-21 14:50
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana2024-05-21 14:41
Judge pushes decision to next week on Alec Baldwin's indictment in fatal 2021 shooting2024-05-21 14:36
China compiles inventory of 914,000 patents: CNIPA2024-05-21 14:20
Researchers date living age of Liujiang Homo sapiens in south China2024-05-21 14:13
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £4002024-05-21 14:08
China ready to launch Chang'e2024-05-21 13:41