By Khedroob Thondup

The Qinghai–Lhasa Railway, celebrated as a symbol of China’s engineering prowess and political integration of Tibet, faces mounting risks as permafrost thaw accelerates under global warming. Built across fragile frozen ground, the railway is now sinking and destabilising, threatening infrastructure integrity, regional connectivity, and environmental security. This brief outlines the scientific basis of the problem, its geopolitical implications, and policy recommendations for international engagement.

Background. Permafrost foundation: The railway traverses 550 km of permafrost zones, stabilised with cooling pipes and elevated embankments. Climate change impact: The Tibetan Plateau is warming at nearly twice the global average, causing rapid thaw and subsidence. Infrastructure strain: Track deformation, sinking embankments, and costly repairs are increasingly common...