Core Insights - The second comprehensive assessment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau indicates a potential carrying capacity of approximately 26.2 million residents, allowing for an increase of about 13.07 million from the current population of 13.13 million, highlighting significant development potential [1] - The research focuses on addressing major national strategic needs and has produced over 140 decision-making reports to support sustainable development in the region [1][2] Group 1: Research Achievements - The second Qinghai-Tibet scientific expedition has established a comprehensive observation network covering 19 key areas, integrating "air-space-ground" monitoring to facilitate a closed-loop transformation from science to policy to practice [2] - The urbanization rate of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is approximately 48%, with a potential increase of 9.67%, leading to a proposed urban development model based on "small gathering and large dispersal" [4] - The expedition has identified 10 differentiated green development models to support unique urbanization in the plateau [4] Group 2: Disaster Prevention and Ecological Protection - A multi-dimensional technological support system has been established, successfully issuing six warnings for ice avalanche disasters and optimizing transportation routes to avoid over 97% of mountain hazards [5] - The expedition has assessed the carbon sink capacity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, estimating an annual carbon sink of 120 to 140 million tons, significantly exceeding local carbon emissions of about 55 million tons [5] Group 3: Biodiversity and Resource Exploration - The expedition has published over 3,000 new species, including 388 plants and 205 animals, and has created the largest glacier virus and bacteria gene collection globally [6] - In resource exploration, the expedition has identified 40 solid mineral prospecting areas and 110 brine lithium prospecting areas, alleviating reliance on foreign resources [7][8] Group 4: Environmental Transformation and Future Directions - The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is undergoing a "third environmental transformation," characterized by global warming and human activities, with an increase in temperature at a rate of 0.37 degrees Celsius every decade, double the global average [9][10] - Future research will focus on green and livable development under the new environmental transformation, addressing water-carbon-health interactions and ensuring the safety of strategic mineral and biological resources [11][13]