Faced with the new challenge of climate change, Sichuan takes measures to "withstand" extreme weather

China News Service, Chengdu, October 13 (Shan Peng) "Monitoring data shows that the average temperature in Sichuan has been high for 13 consecutive years, and July this year set a record for the same period in history. Summers are hotter and longer. Extreme weather such as high temperatures and heavy rains occurs frequently, and environmental health problems become increasingly prominent." On the 13th, Zhong Chenglin, director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, said in Chengdu.

A series of press conferences with the theme of "Seeing Sichuan in Various Weathers and Starting to Forge ahead in the 15th Five-Year Plan" was held in Chengdu on the same day. When answering questions from reporters, Zhong Chenglin said that addressing climate change is an overall issue, and it is the responsibility of the ecological environment department to promote carbon reduction and pollution reduction and reduce the adverse effects of climate change.

Climate change is a global problem. In recent years, extreme weather events have increased significantly. This year, El Niño has become a familiar word to the public.

"Currently, there are two main strategies to deal with climate change: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation means reducing emissions and preventing the earth from continuing to heat up. Adaptation means that the 'sky' has changed, and how can we withstand extreme weather." Zhong Chenglin said.

It is understood that during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, Sichuan will adhere to equal emphasis on mitigation and adaptation, increase response efforts, and improve response capabilities.

In terms of adapting to climate change and dealing with extreme weather, Sichuan will strengthen climate change observation and early warning predictions, explore the drawing of urban climate risk maps, and establish a three-level risk response system at the provincial, municipal, and county levels to make risks "visible."

At the same time, with climate warming and urbanization accelerating, the ever-increasing urban heat island effect in summer has affected the human settlement environment. In order to "cool down" the city, Sichuan will promote the construction of urban ventilation corridors and ecological corridors connecting urban and rural areas in Chengdu and key cities to allow more fresh and cold wind from the suburbs to enter the city; make good use of small and micro corner spaces to build more green spaces such as pocket parks, micro green spaces, and ecological buffer zones to create more "cool spots."

Preventing climate risks from turning into climate disasters is an important aspect of addressing climate change. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, Sichuan will enhance the resilience of urban and rural areas against risks, improve transportation, water conservancy, energy and other infrastructure, improve urban flood control and drainage systems, enhance power security capabilities, vigorously develop climate-smart agriculture, and ensure food security.