In the heart of China, the Yangtze River Basin (YZRB) is a lifeline for industry, agriculture, and ecosystems. Yet, this vital water source is under threat, with environmental degradation and increasing water supply-demand risks complicating sustainable development. New research, published in the journal Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, sheds light on how these risks impact ecosystem services, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
Led by Yuanyuan Duan from the College of Geography and Ocean Sciences at Yanbian University, the study employed four key indicators to assess water supply-demand risk in the YZRB: supply trend, demand trend, average supply-demand ratio, and supply-demand ratio trend. The findings paint a complex picture of the basin’s water future.
From 2000 to 2020, the overall water supply-demand situation in the YZRB improved, but challenges remain. High-risk zones, characterized by disappearing or insufficient water recharge, account for about 8.77% of the watershed area. These zones are primarily located in construction and cultivated lands in the middle and lower reaches of the basin, as well as in the upper reaches in Zhiduo County, Qinghai Province.
As water supply-demand risk decreases, the landscape changes. “We observed that as the risk decreases, vegetation cover increases, and human activities decrease,” Duan explains. This shift has significant implications for ecosystem services. Soil conservation, carbon storage, and flood control all improve as water risks diminish. However, grain production and habitat quality show opposing trends, with a weak correlation to water supply-demand risk.
For the energy sector, these findings are crucial. Hydropower, a significant energy source in the region, relies heavily on consistent water supply. High-risk zones could face disruptions, affecting energy production and stability. Moreover, changes in vegetation cover and soil conservation can impact land suitability for energy infrastructure, influencing future project planning and investment.
The study also highlights the interconnectedness of water resources and ecosystem services. As Duan notes, “Understanding these relationships is vital for sustainable development and effective water resource management.” This research could shape future developments in water risk assessment, ecosystem service valuation, and integrated water resource management.
The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these insights. By incorporating ecosystem services into water risk assessments, energy companies can make more informed decisions, enhancing resilience and sustainability. This approach could also drive innovation in water management technologies and practices, fostering a more secure and sustainable energy future.
As the YZRB continues to face water challenges, this research serves as a call to action. By understanding and addressing water supply-demand risks, we can protect vital ecosystem services, support sustainable development, and secure a stable energy future. The findings, published in the journal Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, or in English, Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, provide a roadmap for this journey, guiding stakeholders towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.