Owing to its vast landmass and unique land-surface feature, the Tibetan Plateau influences global weather, environment, and climate in many ways. It has served as the world water tower for millions of years, which feeds more than 40% of the world’s population to date. It has also served as the third pole of the world, so that global climate change leaves unequivocal footprints in its geological lifetime. Located on its down-stream side, China’s weather, environment, and climate are especially susceptible to the influence of the Tibetan Plateau. For example, one of the climatological features that we are all quite familiar with is Meiyu. The unique feature of Meiyu is largely attributed to the existence of the Tibetan Plateau.

This talk will revisit many China and global weather, environmental, and climate systems that have close relationship with the Tibetan Plateau. The analyses may provide scientific bases for policy decision makers to formulate their socio-economical strategic plans, and to maintain a sustainable development in the years and decades to come.