Rivers: Linking nature, life, and civilization

Abstract

Rivers are basic natural resources supporting ecosystems and human societies, and the health of rivers is crucial to the Earth's sustainable development. Under the profound influence of climate change and human activities, great changes have recently occurred in the circulation and development of rivers, as well as the ways in which they are utilized. In this context, achieving an effective balance between river protection and human development is necessary. In this paper, the essential role of rivers is discussed from three aspects: the formation and evolution of rivers, the shaping of biodiversity, and the cultivation of human civilization. The paper analyzes the challenges brought to the sustainable development of rivers by climate change, human activities, and increased water demand, and proposes four dimensions of future research: scientifically balancing the relationship between river development and protection, improving the adaptability of river development and utilization in the context of climate change, improving the integrity and intelligence level of river management, and building a more fair and sustainable comprehensive river management model.

Adaptive changes in traditional settlements in the Loess Plateau of the Yellow River Basin over 500 years

“…Moreover, river systems supported the sustainable development of ecosystems and human society. In recent years, the social‐ecological cycles of river basins have changed dramatically under the influence of climate change and human activities, creating an urgent need for more sustainable models of integrated river management (Wang & He, 2022). The priority objectives for future river basin management are to reconcile ecological protection and social development, promote the coupling and coordination of the “population–production–ecology” system, and ensure the sustainable development of basin and settlements.…”

Comprehensive evaluation and stability analysis of ecosystem quality of Yellow River Basin during 1980–2019

“…These elements and the external environment constantly undergo material circulation and energy flow, which maintain the healthy life of the Yellow River. It plays an important role in and constitutes an important ecological barrier (Wang & He, 2022). The Yellow River stretches thousands of miles, connecting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Loess Plateau, and North China Plain.…”

Locality and the adaptation of river‐related built environment

“…Within the human‐landscape environment, river basins represent complex systems of energy flow and material cycling (H. Wang & He, 2022). These systems are the result of long‐term adaptation and the imprint of human activities throughout history and the increasingly variable built environment (Y. C. Wang, Borthwick, & Ni, 2022).…”