Shaking foundations: How China's infrastructure push in Tibet risks ecological and geological catastrophe

On January 7, 2025, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck the Shigatse region of Tibet, resulting in over 120 fatalities and injuring hundreds.

Nearly 50 aftershocks followed the quake, amplifying the destruction and leaving local communities grappling with the immense aftermath.

While the region is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location in a tectonically active zone, this disaster has reignited debates about the role of human activity in exacerbating geological vulnerabilities.

Shigatse, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to Mount Everest, was severely affected.

Entire villages were reduced to rubble, critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges was destroyed, and thousands were displaced.

Difficult terrain and frigid winter temperatures hampered rescue efforts, making it challenging to provide timely relief to those in need.

The earthquake’s impact extends beyond immediate human and material losses.

The psychological toll on survivors, many of whom have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, is profound. Schools, hospitals, and monasteries—integral to the region’s social fabric—were not spared, further complicating recovery efforts.

Tibet lies within one of the world's most seismically active regions. The Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, creating the towering Himalayas.

Earthquakes are a natural consequence of these geological processes, and moderate to severe tremors are common.

However, the scale of destruction in recent events, including the Shigatse earthquake, has raised questions about whether human activities are exacerbating the region's natural vulnerabilities.

Criticism has increasingly focused on China’s aggressive infrastructure projects in Tibet.

Over the past two decades, the Chinese government has invested heavily in mining, dam-building, and urban development to exploit the region’s natural resources and strengthen its strategic position.

While these projects are often touted as drivers of economic growth and modernisation, they significantly cost Tibet’s fragile ecosystem.

Tibet is rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, and rare earth elements.

Large-scale mining operations have scarred the landscape and disrupted local ecosystems.

The extraction process often involves blasting and drilling, which destabilises the earth and makes it more susceptible to landslides and earthquakes.

Moreover, mining activities generate toxic waste that pollutes water sources, impacting both human populations and wildlife.

Tibet is home to the sources of several major rivers, including the Yangtze, Mekong, and Brahmaputra, which sustain millions of people downstream.

Over the years, China has constructed numerous dams in the region to generate hydropower and store water.

While these dams contribute to energy production, they also pose significant risks.

The weight of large reservoirs can increase stress on fault lines, potentially triggering earthquakes.

Dam failures during seismic events can lead to catastrophic flooding, compounding the damage.

Chinese authorities in Tibet said they have detected problems, including cracks, at five out of 14 hydropower dams that they have inspected since the earthquake rocked Tibet.

According to officials, three of the five affected dams have since been emptied.

The environmental toll of these activities is immense.

Tibet's unique high-altitude ecosystem is already vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures causing glaciers to retreat at an alarming rate.

Mining and dam-building further exacerbate these issues, disrupting water cycles and reducing biodiversity.

These projects often displace local communities socially, many of which are Tibetan nomads with deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land.

The destruction of sacred sites and traditional livelihoods has fueled resentment among Tibetans, leading to calls for greater environmental and cultural preservation.

Experts have long warned that Tibet's fragile ecosystem cannot sustain the current pace of exploitation.

The region's high altitude, low vegetation cover, and extreme weather conditions make it particularly susceptible to degradation.

Once damaged, the ecosystem takes decades—if not centuries—to recover.

The Shigatse earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between natural forces and human activity.

While earthquakes cannot be prevented, reducing human-induced stress on the environment can mitigate their impact.

The disaster has sparked renewed calls for sustainable development practices in Tibet.

Activists and environmental organisations are urging the Chinese government to reconsider its approach to infrastructure development in the region, and they have mentioned some recommendations —

Conducting comprehensive environmental assessments: Before initiating any project, thorough assessments should evaluate potential ecological and geological impacts. These studies must be transparent and involve local stakeholders.

Limiting mining and industrial activities: Restricting mining operations in seismically active zones can reduce the risk of destabilising the earth. Investment in alternative industries that are less harmful to the environment should be prioritised.

Rethinking dam construction: While hydropower is a valuable renewable energy source, the risks associated with large dams in seismically active regions cannot be ignored. Smaller, distributed energy projects may offer a safer and more sustainable alternative.

Preserving Tibetan culture and livelihoods: Development must be inclusive and respect the rights and traditions of local communities. Efforts should focus on empowering Tibetans through education, healthcare, and sustainable economic opportunities.

Tibet’s environmental challenges are not just a regional issue; they have global implications.

As the “Third Pole,” the Tibetan Plateau contains the largest freshwater reserve outside the polar regions.

Its glaciers feed rivers that support nearly two billion people in Asia.

Any ecological damage in Tibet has a cascading effect on the continent's water security, food production, and biodiversity.

The international community has a role to play in advocating for the preservation of Tibet’s unique environment.

Experts opine that collaborative efforts, such as cross-border water management agreements and support for sustainable development initiatives, can help balance the region’s economic needs with ecological preservation.

The Shigatse earthquake is a tragic reminder of the delicate interplay between natural and human forces.

While the region’s seismic activity is a natural phenomenon, the extent of destruction underscores the need for more responsible and sustainable development practices.

As Tibet rebuilds after this disaster, it is crucial to prioritise ecological preservation and the well-being of its people.

The lessons learned from Shigatse must guide future policies, ensuring that Tibet remains a land of natural beauty and a region resilient to the challenges of an uncertain future.