Precipitation reduced 10.3% and 6.9% in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The CAS report also forecast an almost 7% decrease in the glacial area at the head of the basin by 2030.
A call was made for studies into the possible long-term impact of climate change on the river basin.
The scientists’ report – The Yangtze Conservation and Development Report 2009 – adds that water quality in the Three Gorges reservoir was poorer due to higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, algae blooms caused by nutrients and disruption to fisheries.
Further hydro and water project – up to 20 – are planned for the river basin, the Ministry of Water Resources was reported to have said this week at the 3rd Yangtze Forum, in Shanghai.
