Nestled in the upper reaches of the Liuxi River, my village thrives amidst mountains and forests.
Life here is self-sufficient and peaceful, far removed from the stress of urban living.
However, our connection to the land has made us acutely aware of the impacts of climate change, which are growing more severe with each passing year.
This spring brought an unprecedented amount of rainfall, disrupting our agricultural cycles.
Seeds, which usually sprout effortlessly, struggled to germinate.
Even hardy crops like bittercress became stunted. The continuous rain left the soil soaked and sticky, halting planting and harvesting.
For my family, this meant a drastic reduction in our winter melon harvest—20 fruits compared to last year’s 10,000 jin.
Weather unpredictability has also led to post-harvest losses.
Stored hawthorn, sweet potatoes, and even bottled green plum wine became moldy due to the damp conditions.
Such setbacks not only hurt our income but also dampen the morale of farmers who toil year-round.
Rain-soaked fields and crop failures push rural communities to find strength in unity.Extreme weather events, like floods, add another layer of fear.
In 2013, a flash flood caused devastating losses, and memories of that disaster haunt us.
This year, concerns arose about an aging dam in our area, which remains a looming threat due to inadequate maintenance.
In our village, the concept of climate change is still abstract to many.
People observe the hotter days and heavier rains but attribute these changes to natural weather fluctuations.
Yet, the reality of hotter temperatures and erratic weather patterns is undeniable.
Amidst these challenges, small-scale community efforts bring hope.
By working together, farmers share experiences and strategies to adapt to the changing climate.
Such collaboration fosters resilience and provides an avenue to support one another.
While global challenges like climate change and social inequality may feel overwhelming, our collective actions at the local level remind us of the power of community.
Together, we can weather the storm and protect our livelihoods for generations to come.