China launches Antarctic atmosphere watch station to bolster climate change response

(ECNS) -- China’s first overseas atmosphere watch station in Antarctica began operation on Sunday, coinciding with the World Antarctica Day.

Located at China’s Antarctic Zhongshan Station, it is the ninth of its kind to enter operation. The station will conduct continuous, long-term monitoring of atmospheric composition changes, contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

The Antarctic region serves as a crucial area for global atmospheric environment monitoring. Zhongshan Station offers observation data with unique geographical advantages and significant scientific value, said Ding Minghu, director of the Institute of Global Change and Polar Meteorology of the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences.

As China's second perennial scientific research station in Antarctica, Zhongshan has established a comprehensive observation system encompassing seven major meteorological elements, including ozone, atmospheric chemistry, and aerosols.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's first polar expedition. So far, atmospheric composition data from Zhongshan Station has been included in the "Antarctic Ozone Bulletin" of the World Meteorological Organization, advancing research in polar weather, climate change and polar atmospheric chemistry.

Currently, China has a total of nine atmosphere watch stations. Ten proposed new stations located in key climate zones have begun year-long observation experiments in July this year.