Study Warns Rapid Melting of Hindu Kush Himalayan Glaciers
Glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges are melting at an alarming rate, posing grave risks to the region’s water supply and ecosystem. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu has issued a stark warning in its recent report that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, these glaciers could lose up to 80 percent of their volume by the end of the 21st century.
Within the report were additional findings of an accelerated rate of glacier disappearance since 2010, with the Himalayan glaciers melting occurring 65 percent faster than in the preceding decade. As Hindu Kush glaciers play a vital role as a primary freshwater source for 16 Asian nations, the ice melting affects approximately 240 million mountain inhabitants and an additional 1.65 billion people downstream.
Unprecedented and largely irreversible transformations are already taking place due to global warming. The recent submergence of the Indian mountain town of Joshimath and the relocation of its residents serves as tangible evidence of the impacts already being felt and underscores the gravity of the situation. The Nepal-based research organization also warned in its report that flash floods, avalanches, and a scarcity of fresh water would become more common in the coming years.
According to the report, countries must strictly adhere to the targeted limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius agreed at the 2015 Paris climate conference to curb global warming. With the irreversible changes already occurring in the cryosphere, concerns persist about the policymakers’ lack of commitment to this critical objective.
Sean Jung Director teen/1688431890/1613367687
1. What is happening to glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges? What is the impact of these glaciers? What will happen to the glaciers themselves?
2. How much faster are the glaciers melting? What is the effect of the ice melting, according to paragrpah 2?
3. What does paragraph 3 say about the transformations taking place due to global warming?
4. What must countries do to curb global warming? What are some future concerns?
1. What are glaciers? Where can you find them? How important are they?
2. Are the impact of glaciers melting mostly positive or negative? Explain.
3. What are some other impacts of global warming, besides glaciers melting?
4. What can you do to contribute to reduction of global warming?
Glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges are melting at an alarming rate, posing grave risks to the region’s water supply and ecosystem. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu has issued a stark warning in its recent report that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, these glaciers could lose up to 80 percent of their volume by the end of the 21st century.
