Voices of Change: Yixin from Zhangjiajie, China
"Summers are progressively becoming warmer. Previously, summer would typically start in June, but now it begins as early as May"
What is your name and where are from?
My name is Yixin, and I am from China, specifically Cili County in the city of Zhangjiajie. Currently, I am studying for my M.A. in Sustainable Development.
Have you heard the term Climate change?
I’ve encountered the term “climate change” frequently through news and research articles.
What is the climate over there?
Zhangjiajie is renowned as a tourist spot, situated in a mountainous area with a sub-tropical climate. We experience all four seasons: summer, winter, autumn, and spring. Our agricultural calendar traditionally begins in August, following the Chinese calendar. However, the accuracy of this calendar has diminished over the years. Expansion of factories and intensive farming practices has contributed to these changes.
Do you guys see any changes in the climate during past few years
In the southern part of China, heavy snowfall is common, but it was unusual for my hometown. The snow is exceptionally heavy, blocking roads. Such weather occurrences are becoming more frequent, indicating significant changes in the climate. In the past, snowfall was rare, occurring perhaps once every two years for about 10 days during winter. During my childhood, climate change was not as noticeable. Summers are scorching, with temperatures reaching 40 or even 42 degrees Celsius, making our region one of the hottest areas. Despite being in a mountainous region, the altitude is not very high, resulting in a sensation of intense heat. Summers are progressively becoming warmer. Previously, summer would typically start in June, but now it begins as early as May.
What does your family think about the climate change?
In my family, climate change discussions are not a common topic. However, in recent years my grandparents have seen many changes. For example, two years ago, water levels in local lakes receded by approximately 2 meters. This winter, we experienced a severe storm, which my grandparents, who have lived here for years, described as the biggest they've seen.
What are some key changes happening in your region?
As our region transitions to the next stage of development, there is a growing focus on reforestation efforts. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, people are gradually migrating from rural areas to cities, leaving behind the traditional way of life tied to agriculture in the mountains.
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