Tracing climate change on roof of world

* Located more than 3,800 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Xizang plateau, the China Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory on the top of Waliguan mountain went into operation on Sept. 17, 1994.

* Currently, the observatory is capable of accurately monitoring 30 items in high density all day long, producing over 60,000 data pieces every day.

* One of the most representative achievements of the past 30 years is the "carbon dioxide curve," which is also known as the "Waliguan curve."

XINING -- Wang Jianqiong, 43, has been "taking the temperature of the Earth" for over 20 years at the world's highest baseline observatory in the hinterland of Eurasia.

Wang, deputy director of the China Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory on the top of Waliguan mountain in northwest China's Qinghai Province, has been working there since 2003.

Located more than 3,800 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Xizang plateau, the observatory went into operation on Sept. 17, 1994. It is one of the 32 global baseline observatories established by the World Meteorological Organization.

Waliguan is an ideal place for observing the atmosphere. But for Wang, this is also a place where even seemingly simple tasks can be very challenging.

This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2021 shows the stone tablet bearing the Chinese name of the China Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory on Waliguan mountain in northwest China's Qinghai Province. [Qinghai Meteorological Bureau/Handout via Xinhua]

"When I first arrived here, walking was like carrying 30 kilograms of luggage on my back. I would be out of breath if I walked quickly. I had a splitting headache all day long, and I could hardly sleep at night," Wang said.

The average annual temperature at the station is below zero degrees Celsius, and the average annual oxygen content is equivalent to 67 percent of that at sea level. Besides, the nearest town is more than 20 kilometers away.

In order to ensure that the observation quality at Waliguan is not negatively affected, no industrial or mining enterprises are allowed within a radius of 50 kilometers.

Observers pose for a group photo at the China Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory on Waliguan mountain in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Aug. 7, 2021. [Qinghai Meteorological Bureau/Handout via Xinhua]

Human interference needs to be minimized when conducting atmospheric baseline observations. Thus, the observers often eat pre-cooked food in a bid to avoid producing too much cooking smoke, which may affect data precision. Many observers thus suffer from gastrointestinal diseases or discomfort.

Huang Jianqing, 59, climbs 99 stair steps to the station every working day. Huang checks instruments, records data, changes sampling film, and collects atmospheric samples -- tasks that may look simple and boring to some, but which are extremely important.

"We face these instruments every day, and we are on high alert when we work. We must always stare at the instruments. Most of the staff have developed an 'occupational disease.' They often suddenly wake up in the night for fear of missing key data," Huang said.

Huang Jianqing, an observer, is pictured at the China Global Atmosphere Watch Baseline Observatory on Waliguan mountain in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Aug. 7, 2021. [Qinghai Meteorological Bureau/Handout via Xinhua]

Atmospheric observers like Wang and Huang have battled the harsh environment to monitor greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. Currently, the observatory is capable of accurately monitoring 30 items in high density all day long, producing over 60,000 data pieces every day, and forming an observation system that covers major atmospheric components.

One of the most representative achievements of the past 30 years is the "carbon dioxide curve," which is also known as the "Waliguan curve," drawn from the observations at the station and updated annually.

Data produced via the Waliguan curve is consistent with the observation data produced by Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii since the 1950s, and has become an important basis for proving global climate change and supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, according to Fu Yang, chief engineer of Qinghai's meteorological bureau.

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2023 shows a view of Waliguan mountain in northwest China's Qinghai Province. [Qinghai Meteorological Bureau/Handout via Xinhua]

"This is a vivid example of China, as a responsible major country, actively participating in and leading global ecological and environmental governance," Fu said.

Du Xiangwan, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the observers endure hardships and loneliness on the mountain all year round, and that their meticulous work has earned China a global reputation in the field of atmospheric research. 

Video reporters: Wang Jinjin, Li Linhai; Video editors: Zhu Cong, Roger Lott, Hui Peipei