Climate change and human activities driving fragile ecosystems to the brink in China.
The article discusses the fragile ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions of China and the causes of their degradation. The main types of fragile ecosystems identified are degraded grasslands, irrigated oases, deserts, wetlands, and farming-pastoral areas. The degradation is primarily due to climate anomalies and human activities like over-grazing, excessive water use, and misuse of natural resources. This has led to a vicious cycle of ecosystem deterioration. The study aims to provide a basis for preventing further damage and improving the management of these ecosystems in China's arid and semi-arid regions.