Abstract:Tibet is rich in renewable energy,while also being highly ecologically fragile and sensitive to climate change.In this study,the changes in climate,glaciers and permafrost in Tibetan Autonomous Region during the past 40 years (1979-2018) and their potential impacts on renewable energy were analyzed based on multi-source data.The results show the following:1) During 1979-2018,northern Tibet has become warmer and wetter while southern Tibet has become warmer and drier.The air temperature has increased at an average rate of 0.54℃·(10 a)-1.In addition,the precipitation has increased in northern Tibet,while having slightly decreased in the south.2) The sunshine durations,as well as the wind speed,showed significant decreases.However,the wind speed ceased declining around 2002,and rose again after 2010.3) The glaciers retreated rapidly,especially in southeastern Tibet and the Nyainqentanglha region,with the maximum thinning rate exceeding 8.0 m·(10 a)-1.Permafrost covers approximately 43% of Tibet,with weak stability and strong degradation.In summary,solar and wind energy have decreased in Tibet in the past 40 years.Hydropower has increased due to glacier retreating and permafrost degradation,yet its accurate prediction remains a challenge.