At 6,282 meters, the highest peak of the Amne Machin range towers over Maqen County, Qinghai Province on the Chinese mainland. Revered as one of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan culture, Amne Machin has long drawn pilgrims and explorers alike.
During an April 2024 expedition, CGTN reporters documented a striking reality: the glaciers crowning this sacred peak are visibly retreating. Experts link the rapid shrinkage to rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns.
These glaciers serve as a lifeline for communities downstream, feeding rivers that irrigate farmland and support local ecosystems. As ice fields recede, water supplies and agricultural cycles face growing uncertainties.
More than a geographical landmark, Amne Machin holds deep spiritual significance for Tibetan communities. Local residents regard the mountain as a guardian, and its icy cap is woven into age-old traditions and rites.
To better understand and respond to these changes, researchers are combining satellite data with community-led monitoring. Early findings suggest that without intervention, Amne Machin's glaciers could lose a significant portion of their mass within decades.
The powerful images from Qinghai Province offer a vivid reminder: climate change touches even the most sacred places. For young global citizens, business innovators, activists, and adventure seekers alike, the story of Amne Machin underscores the shared responsibility to protect our planet's diverse heritage.
Reference(s):
Amne Machin, one of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan culture
cgtn.com
