Prof. Tandong Yao is one of the world’s foremost authorities on glaciers and environment as well as their impacts on human society. Since the 1980s, he has based his life and research in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region, also known as the Third Pole of Earth and Asia’s Water Tower. He led many scientific programs relating to climate and environmental changes and their human impacts in the region. Among them, he successfully initiated in 2009 an international program titled Third Pole Environment (TPE), which addresses “water-ice-air-vegetation-rock (soil)-human” interactions on the Third Pole region, and has gained international attention and support. Since 1984, he has led 17 scientific expeditions to explore various glaciers and collect the ice core samples in the harshest condition to study climate and environmental changes. The latest was on 4 May 2022, when he, as the leader of the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research team, climbed to the top of Mount Everest to collect ice core samples and to install the most comprehensive environmental observation facilities at the pinnacle of Earth with an altitude of 8,848 meters. Prof. Yao’s scientific contributions are voluminous and have led to breakthrough understanding of the TP climate and environmental changes and their societal impacts. His major scientific contributions include the following: (1) He has pioneered ice core research in the Tibetan Plateau and found that the Tibetan Plateau is experiencing the warmest climate since the last 2,000 years. (2) His research revealed the significant influence of the interaction between the westerlies and the Indian monsoon on the precipitation spatial pattern over the Tibetan Plateau . Prof. Yao has published more than 470 articles in high-impact international journals. He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2017, he was awarded the Vega Medal by the Swedish Society for Anthropology and Geography as the first Asian scientist to win the award for his contributions to research on TP glaciers and the environment. He was elected a Fellow of AGU in 2020. It is gratifying to see that Prof. Yao is recognized for his pioneering research on TP climate and environmental changes and their influences on human society with the Bert Bolin Global and Environmental Change Award and Lecture.

—Qingyun Duan, Hohai University, Nanjing, China

I am deeply honored to be conferred with the Bert Bolin Global and Environmental Change Award and Lecture, a recognition that both humbles and motivates me. AGU’s dedication to highlighting advancements in the realm of environmental research is commendable, and to be a part of this legacy is a milestone I cherish. My expeditionary ventures into the Tibetan Plateau, Earth’s Third Pole, have been a journey of discovery, resilience, and collaborative spirit. Through the challenges and revelations, I’ve been continually inspired by the intricate dynamics of our planet and the stories its glaciers tell. The initiation of the Third Pole Environment (TPE) and the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP) program was a testament to the power of international collaboration. Witnessing its growth and impact has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. The expeditions, particularly the ascent to Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest), were not just about collecting samples and observing changes, but also about understanding our planet’s heartbeat. Each publication, each finding, and each collaborative endeavor was a step toward unraveling the mysteries of the Tibetan Plateau. This award is a reflection of the collective dedication, passion, and hard work of my team, peers, and the broader scientific community. I want to express my gratitude to Prof. Qingyun Duan for his citation and to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. The shared experiences, learnings, and breakthroughs have been invaluable. This honor reinvigorates my commitment to furthering our understanding of the Tibetan Plateau and its significance in the global climate narrative. It serves as a beacon, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. To my colleagues, students, and the global scientific community, your unwavering support and collaboration have been the pillars of every success. To my family, whose sacrifices and encouragement have been the bedrock of my endeavors, my deepest gratitude. Thank you for this recognition. It’s more than an award; it’s a testament to the spirit of scientific inquiry and the promise of a better tomorrow. —Tandong Yao, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing

For seminal contributions to fundamental understanding of climate changes and associated environmental impacts in Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings