The "International Conference on Tibetan Plateau and High Mountains Energy and Water Exchanges: Climate Impact and Adaptation (TEWEX-CLIMA)" was held at Diqing, Yunnan, China, from August 7 to 10, 2023.
The conference was hosted by the State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (LASG), Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and organized by the programme "Change of the Land-Air Coupled System over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Global Climate Effect (LASTPIC)" [a ten-year flagship programme launched by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in 2014] with major support from the Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). Co-organizers also include Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), the State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather (LaSW), Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), Yunnan University and Xiamen University. Prof. WU Guoxiong (CAS academician) from IAP, Prof. ZHOU Xiuji (CAS academician) from CAMS and Prof. Soroosh Sorooshian (US National Academy of Engineering member) from University of California, Irvine co-chaired the Scientific Organizing Committee.
More than 250 scientists and graduates from over 10 countries and regions gathered in Diqing to exchange their latest findings and visions about Tibetan Plateau research.
Prof. WU Guoxiong presided over the opening ceremony. Prof. ZHANG Chaolin, deputy director of the NSFC Earth Science Division, Prof. Jan Plocher, Co-chair of GEWEX Scientific Steering Group, Prof. Deliang Chen from STINT, Prof. CAO Junji, IAP Director General, Prof. LI Jian, CAMS Deputy Director, Prof. TAN Shucheng, Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Prof. HUANG Wei, Deputy Director of Yunnan Meteorological Bureau and Mr. XU Guangde, Deputy Governor of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture delivered opening remarks respectively.
The three-day scientific program consisted of four sessions: land-air coupling process and troposphere-stratospheric interaction; climate/weather impact and adaptation; changing (Asian) water tower and its impact; observation, modeling and data assimilation. It aimed to improve understanding of land-air coupling over the Highlands in Asia and over the world for better climate prediction and better service to society. One hundred oral reports and 89 posters were presented. Presentations were exciting and simulated vibrant discussions.
During the event, the SOC worked jointly with China Meteorological Press and launched a new book entitled "Land-Atmosphere Coupling System over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Impact on Global Climate". The Foreign Affairs Office of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture interviewed several invited experts on strategies to address climate change challenges in Shangri-La's "Three Parallel Rivers" core region and relevant international cooperation prospect.
The conference provided an unusual platform for exchange latest research findings on Tibetan Plateau and at the same time deepens academic bond among IAP and international communities including GEWEX. Meeting in-person and interacting positively, participants all believed the event was fruitful and exciting.
