The rise of the average annual temperature around the Touming Mengke glacier is causing area reduction of the glacier, according to the research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Experts predict small glaciers with an area of about 2 square kilometers and some parts of bigger glaciers will disappear before 2050.
The glacier in the Qilian Mountain Range is the primary water source for many of the oases in Hexi Corridor in Gansu province. Water scarcity will become a significant problem as the glacier retreats over the years. Currently, tourism projects have been canceled for the Touming Mengke glacier.