History and Current Status of the Yellow River’s Dry-Up Phenomenon

History and Current Status of the Yellow River's Dry-Up Phenomenon

1990s: The Worsening Dry-Up Phenomenon
In the 1990s, the Yellow River in China frequently experienced dry-up phenomena over a stretch of approximately 700 km from its mouth. In some areas, the number of days without water flow reached over 120 per year, significantly impacting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply, particularly in the middle and lower reaches of the river, such as Shandong and Henan provinces. The causes included the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the upper reaches (annual water usage exceeding 5 billion cubic meters), increased demand for industrial water, and a decline in precipitation. As a result of this phenomenon, agricultural yields in Shandong Province fell by approximately 20%, and fish species in the fisheries sector plummeted by more than 40%. In 1997, the Chinese government formulated the "Yellow River Integrated Water Resources Management Plan" and proceeded with water regulation by constructing the Xiaolangdi Dam (in Luoyang City, Henan Province).

The 2000s: Efforts Toward Improvement
During the 2000s, integrated water resources management efforts progressed. Water withdrawal restrictions were strengthened in the Yellow River basin, and efficient irrigation technologies were introduced in various provinces. In addition, the expansion of dam construction and hydropower projects contributed to a reduction in the number of days with no flow.

2010s: Climate Change and New Challenges
In the 2010s, climate change altered precipitation patterns across the entire Yellow River basin, increasing the risk of floods and droughts. Meanwhile, the Chinese government promoted the "Yellow River Ecosystem Protection Plan" to strengthen environmental protection throughout the basin. For example, afforestation projects were carried out across a wide area stretching from Qinghai Province to Shandong Province, advancing greening efforts by approximately 5,000 square kilometers annually. Furthermore, soil and water conservation measures in the upper reaches were strengthened, reducing soil runoff by more than 30% annually. Additionally, energy transition policies improved the efficiency of hydropower plants, increasing the total electricity supply in the Yellow River basin by 10%.

2020s: Sustainable Water Resource Management and Ecosystem Restoration
Since the 2020s, instances of seasonal river dry-ups have been virtually eliminated. The Xiaolangdi Dam, located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, stores approximately 5 billion cubic meters of water annually, ensuring a stable water supply to the lower reaches. Furthermore, companies such as China Power and the Three Gorges Corporation are advancing hydropower projects in the Yellow River basin to promote the use of renewable energy.

Efforts are also focused on ecosystem conservation; in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve in Shandong Province, the wetland area has expanded to approximately 2,000 square kilometers. Populations of endangered bird species are increasing, and the local ecosystem is recovering. Interregional cooperation between upstream and downstream areas, along with the introduction of efficient water management technologies, is supporting the sustainable use of the Yellow River.

Summary: Challenges Revealed by History and Prospects for the Future
The phenomenon of the Yellow River drying up worsened in the 1990s, causing widespread impacts across China. However, through cooperation between the government and businesses, efforts to strengthen water resource management, protect ecosystems, and utilize renewable energy have advanced, resulting in a significant improvement in the situation today. This history illustrates the challenges and pathways to solutions for building a sustainable society.