If greenhouse gases continue to rise as they have been, rain and snowfall in China's Huaihe, Liaohe and Haihe river regions could decline by 30 percent by 2040, Xinhua news agency quoted a leading Chinese meteorologist saying.

Areas that feed China's second largest river, the Yellow River, could also be affected, said Dong Wenjie, director general of the National Climate Center with the China Meteorological Administration.

The phenomenon is caused by an unnatural concentration of green house gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide -- formed by energy generation from coal-fired power plants and deforestation activities -- as well as vehicle emissions.

China relies on coal for about 70 percent of its energy needs.

If China can effectively control greenhouse gas emissions, precipitation will increase in its major river valleys over the next 60 years, Dong said at a forum sponsored by "Sino-Italian Green Week", which concluded Friday.

China has a relatively high emission volume of carbon dioxide per unit of gross domestic production.

In 2002, China's carbon dioxide emission totaled 4.08 billion tons, ranking second in the world after the United States.

Experts said it was imperative for China to enhance energy efficiency and further develop low-carbon energy resources.

But many experts say China will rely on coal for most of its energy for years to come as it is the most readily available and cheapest source of energy.

China made "effective control of greenhouse gases" one of the goals of its 11th Five Year Plan, a blueprint for the booming economic giant's development until 2010.

The country is investing in alternative sources of energy, including hydropower plants, and promoting low-emission vehicles.

Related Links
-