Environment - Ecological Disaster Looms In Xinjiang Province

Oh, dear. I'm really sorry to hear this, but the glaciers in Xinjiang province, which supply most of the water to that arid region, are melting faster than previously predicted.

In the most alarming example, the largest glacier in Xinjiang, located 3,545 metres above sea level in the Tianshan mountains, split in two in 1993 and has since been melting extremely quickly, according to Wang.

Another researcher with the academy, Hu Wenkang, said the shrinking glaciers would have a major impact on Xinjiang, one of China's most arid regions, and beyond.

Brace yourself. Here come the water wars.

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