Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment ›› 2017, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (6): 491-498.doi: 10.11934/j.issn.1673-4831.2017.06.002

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Perception of Climate Change of the Residents at Various Elevations in the Zayu River Valley in Southeast Tibet

HOU Lei1, ZHOU Yao-zhi2, REN Yi-hua2   

  1. 1. Department of Resources and Environment, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi 860000, China;
    2. Institute of Plateau Ecology, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi 860000, China
  • Received:2016-07-25 Online:2017-06-25 Published:2017-06-15

Abstract:

A survey was performed on perception of climate change of residents living in three villages situated at various elevations, 3 313.5, 2 891.1 and 2 476.4 m, separately in the Zayu River Valley, Southeast Tibet by means of questionnaires. Based on the returned questionnaires from 268 residents analysis was done of relationship between the perception of the residents and the elevation they live at. Results show that about 91.7%, 88.9% and 97.7% of the residents, respectively, living in the villages at 3 313.5, 2 891.1 and 2 476.4 m in elevation hold that the local climate has changed; about 75.0%, 100% and 48.3% think that summer is getting warmer; and 41.7%, 100% and 49.4% believe that winter is becoming colder. However, still a number of residents do not have much perception of the change. With decreasing altitude, more and more of the residents, or 50.0%, 56.5% and 61.4%, hold that the climate in past time was better than the current one; about 8.3%, 13.6% and 45.5% think glaciers expand in area; about 46.7%, 56.0% and 79.1% believe that the flow in rivers increases in volume; and more and more of the residents or about 33.3%, 58.3% and 72.7% complain that crop pests occur more and more frequently. Proportion of the residents who hold that the climate in past time being better than the current one is negatively related to elevation (P<0.05). Besides, about 75.0%, 74.1% and 72.7% of the residents in the villages hold that the climate changes affects their agricultural production and life as well. And about 83.3%, 100% and 90.9% of the residents admit that personal experience is the main pathway of their perception of climate change. The local governments should take appropriate actions, like propaganda and guidance, to help the local residents adapt to the climate change.

Key words: Zayu River Valley, perception, climate change, elevation, Tibet

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