Imagine having the resources, power, and access to tackle one of the most pressing global issues threatening our planet: climate change. If given the opportunity, I would focus on addressing the urgent need to preserve our environment, specifically by combatting the effects of global warming on glaciers and biodiversity.

Inspired by a transformative trip to the heartland of Tibet, I have developed a deep passion for environmental protection and science. Witnessing firsthand the rapid retreat of glaciers and the delicate balance of biodiversity in the Ngari region, I realized the critical importance of taking action.

In light of recent events, such as the alarming increase in storms, floods, wildfires, and air pollution outlined in the COP26 document, it’s evident that climate change continues to wreak havoc on communities worldwide. The need to limit global warming to below 2°C, as stipulated in the COP21 Paris Agreement, remains a paramount concern.

The largest mountain glacier on earth, which is mainly located inside Tibet, has retreated rapidly in recent decades as the global climate fluctuates. The Dasopu Glacier, which I visited in the summer of 2023, has already shown obvious ablation and the process of melting. My photography tutor, who has been photographing snow mountains and glaciers in Tibet for 11 years, clearly senses that the Plateau is getting warmer, wetter, and greener, with more precipitation and less coldness. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is known as the “natural laboratory”, since it is an important ecological security barrier in the world and the source of many major rivers in Asia. Beneath the ice are the clues of climate change over thousands of years, and beneath the plateau lakes are records of change.

Therefore, I propose an innovative “Eight-Year Photography Exploration Program” in Tibet, leveraging the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness and mobilize action. By documenting the beauty and fragility of Tibet’s glaciers and ecosystems over the course of eight years, we can engage and educate a global audience about the urgency of preserving these vital natural resources.

Furthermore, by partnering with local communities, scientists, and policymakers, we can implement sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on glaciers and biodiversity. From promoting eco-friendly tourism to supporting renewable energy initiatives, our collective efforts can make a significant impact in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

In essence, by harnessing our resources, power, and access, we have the opportunity to effect positive change on a global scale. Through initiatives like the “Eight-Year Photography Exploration Program,” we can inspire action, foster collaboration, and ultimately, save our planet from the devastating effects of climate change.