The findings stem from a research programme on the changing of the ecological environment and the sustainable use of water and land resources in western China, which was conducted by a group of scientists from the Environmental Research Institute and the Project on the Cold and Dry Region.

It was carried out under the supervision of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Scientists have found that temperatures in the western region have climbed significantly over the past four decades.

Comparing the 1987-2000 period with the 1961-86 period, the average temperature in the western region rose by 0.7 °C.

In the 1990s, the average annual temperature in the western region was 6.8 °C, or 0.8 °C, 0.7 °C and 0.6 °C higher than that of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, respectively, according to scientists.

The current temperatures in the region are the warmest for the past 1,000 years.

During the 1980s and 1990s, annual rainfall increased markedly in the central and western parts of China.

The Qilian Mountain Range area, the Gansu Corridor and Qinghai Province recorded 10 to 20 per cent increases in rainfall from 1987 to 2000, as compared with the 1961-86 period.

Scientists have also found that the water volume of rivers has risen due to increased rainfall and melted glaciers.

The pace of desertification has declined, the water level of lakes has risen and the number of sandstorms has been significantly reduced in the western region.

Moreover, scientists say global warming, which accelerates the circulation of water, is one of the main reasons that western China is expected to experience increased rainfall by the middle of the 21st century.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2003)