Ecological Meteorology of China in 2017

On February 6, 2018, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) released the Bulletin of National Ecological Meteorology 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the Bulletin).

Weather and climate conditions such as temperature, precipitation and sunshine exposure exert an impact on the ecological system and bears on the environmental quality of human existence.

Impacts of meteorological conditions on vegetation ecological quality across the nation

The Bulletin denotes that meteorological conditions last year were, on the whole, favorable for plant growth. The quality of forest ecology is above average. Furthermore, farmers have garnered a bumper harvest. In terms of the ecological quality of vegetation, 83% area across China is above-average, with an increase of 1% compared with 2016. Since 2000, in 91% of the entire country, vegetation ecology has turned better. The capacity of vegetation in carbon sequestration has ramped up. Besides, vegetation coverage is expanded, with the contribution of weather conditions up to 84 percent.

According to the Bulletin, 2017 has seen the sunlight, temperature and precipitation complement harmoniously in most portions of China.

Impacts of meteorological conditions on major and typical ecosystems in China

Grass meteorological conditions in 2017 paled in comparison with 2016. However, the ecological quality was favorable. Forestry meteorological conditions are conducive, with an enhanced ecological quality compared with 2016. Since 2000, Zhalong marsh in Heilongjiang province has seen an expanding area of water body, with ameliorated vegetation ecology.

Near- to above-average precipitation was recorded and the summer rainfall of 2017 eclipsed the years in the aftermath of 1998. In terms of the ecological quality of vegetation, 83% area across China is above-average, with an increase of 1% compared with 2016. Fujian province tops the list, followed by Guangxi province.

Vegetation Ecological quality index variation trend rate from 2000 to 2017

Climate impact evaluation in key ecological construction and reserve regions

In 2000，Sanjiangyuan (Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) rivers) has seen more precipitation, expanding lake area, and elevated vegetation ecological quality. In 2017, snow coverage area in Qilian mountainous region has reached its maximum value since 2000, with a volatile interannual fluctuation. Precipitation has increased in Miyun Reservoir in Beijing, with the water body area reaching the climax in 2017 since 2000. In Xiongan New Area, the capacity to hold water in Baiyangdian has evidently augmented. Hulun Lake has observed more precipitation since 2000, with highly fickle vegetation ecology in water body rehabilitation. The vegetation ecology in Guizhou and Guangxi desertification area has been improved, reaching the optimal state in 2017.

From the long-term perspective, China has witnessed an increase in average temperature and precipitation since 2000, which facilitates ecological construction and rehabilitation. Thanks to the enhanced vegetation ecological quality and expanding vegetation coverage, carbon sequestration and oxygen release capabilities have been propped up.

Vegetation net primary productivity variation trend rate from 2000 to 2017

Vegetation coverage variation trend rate from 2000 to 2017

From 2000 to 2017, in Sanjiangyuan (Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) rivers), Miyun Reservoir of Beijing, Xiongan New Area, Hulun Lake, Ejina Oasis, stony desertification of Guizhou and Guangxi, Qaidam Basin, and Zhalong Nature Reserve, the quality of ecological environment has been augmented with vegetation recovering and water areas expanding.

Extreme weather and climate events, major meteorological disasters, and climate change remain adverse factors for national ecological construction and conservation. Ecological civilization construction should persist in climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation work. (Feb. 24)

Editor: Liu Shuqiao