Reuters Investigative Report: Climate Challenges Threaten Water and Energy Resources in Asia

Reuters reports on disruptions related to the vital water system of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, highlighting the dangers faced by economic development and energy security in 16 Asian countries. Citing research from the 'China Water Risk' institute, the report states that nearly 2 billion people live in the basins of 10 major rivers flowing from the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, with an annual GDP exceeding $4 trillion. The impacts of climate change, such as glacial melting and extreme weather, are currently creating 'serious threats' in these regions. The report warns that if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed, all rivers will face 'increasing and compounded water risks,' and building energy infrastructure that consumes more water exacerbates these problems. The 10 rivers include the Ganges and Brahmaputra, which flow into India and Bangladesh, as well as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and transboundary waterways like the Mekong and Salween. A total of 865 gigawatts of electricity capacity along these 10 rivers is vulnerable to climate risks, most of which is water-related. Researchers noted that over 300 gigawatts—enough to power Japan—are in areas facing 'high' or 'very high' water risks. The Yangtze River basin in China, which supplies about one-third of the country's hydropower, experienced a prolonged drought last year, severely reducing hydropower generation and disrupting global supply chains. Since the drought, governments in the region have approved the construction of dozens of new coal power plants to address future hydropower disruptions. However, coal energy also requires water, and increasing capacity in China and India could exacerbate shortages. Researchers emphasized that with increasing climate risks, countries are under pressure to adopt policies that ensure energy and water security.