In the remote Sanjiangyuan region of southern Qinghai Province, climate change is reshaping the landscape and the lives of its residents. \"Last year, our local water sources began to dry up, we had to travel farther on motorcycles to fetch water. Families relying on caterpillar fungus for income faced huge losses as yields declined,\" says Bayang, a 22-year-old native of Sanjiangyuan.
Sanjiangyuan, perched between 3,500 to 4,800 meters above sea level, is the cradle of China's major rivers—the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang. This region not only provides vital freshwater resources but also supports a rich biodiversity unique to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. However, the delicate balance of this ecosystem is under threat as climate change leads to drying streams and withering pastures, undermining livelihoods.
Amid these challenges, young women like Bayang are stepping up as leaders in climate action. For them, addressing environmental issues is more than safeguarding their homeland; it's a pathway to education, self-expression, and independence in a traditionally male-dominated society. By taking on these roles, they are not only contributing to the sustainability of Sanjiangyuan but also inspiring change and fostering resilience within their communities.
The efforts of these young women highlight the intersection of environmental stewardship and gender empowerment, demonstrating how climate action can drive social progress and community strength in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.
Reference(s):
Empowering women on climate change frontlines: Sanjiangyuan and beyond
cgtn.com
