Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau are shifting from stable carbon sinks to significant greenhouse gas sources due to climate change, according to a review in Watershed Ecology and the Environment. The study analyzed nearly 400 research papers and highlights the impact of rising temperatures causing permafrost thaw and glacier retreat, leading to the formation of "thermokarst" lakes that release ancient carbon as CO2 and methane, which is 28 times more potent than CO2.
Dr. Yang Liu, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the need for tailored management strategies as these lakes vary significantly in their carbon roles. The study stresses the importance of microorganisms in this process; while warming prolongs algae growth (which absorbs CO2), it also accelerates microbial decomposition, potentially shifting the entire system from carbon absorbers to emitters, creating a feedback loop that worsens global warming.
To address these challenges, the authors advocate for a comprehensive model that considers microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and climate impacts, enabling targeted management of lake types that can remain carbon sinks while reducing emissions from high-emission lakes.
