Larger Asian rivers: Changes in hydro-climate and water environments

摘要

Rapid economic development and growing population density have significant impacts on water resources in many regions on the earth, including a large part of Asia. The large Asian rivers are the lifelines for some of the major biodiversity hotspots. However, intensive agricultural activities, hydropower development, and increasing industrial demand threaten the aquatic environment across the river basins. In addition, ongoing climatic changes will result in increases in high temperature and precipitation changes, and consequent changes in glacial mass, river flow, soil moisture and groundwater. To avoid adverse effects and negative consequences, innovative methods are needed to better manage water resources in the warming world.