More river runoff from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau may not quench thirst of millions downstream: study

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- As Earth's climate continues to grow warmer, increased river runoff in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the roof of the world, has provided more fresh water, but may not quench the growing thirst of millions downstream.

Home to headwaters of over 10 major Asian rivers, the plateau has become warmer and wetter under the impact of global climate change. However, an article published Tuesday in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change says that the more river runoff brought on by both increased rainfall and glacier melting may not meet rising water demands from the growing population in regions of the Indus and the Ganges.