Himalayan glaciers: 75% ice loss by 2100-ICIMOD Report

New Delhi 21 June (VNI) Global warming poses detrimental effects, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity, threatening ecosystems and human well-being worldwide. A recently published report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has revealed distressing findings regarding the state of Himalayan glaciers. The study warns that these majestic glaciers, situated in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, are melting at an unprecedented rate. If immediate action is not taken to address this issue, the report predicts that these glaciers could lose a staggering 75 percent of their volume by the year 2100.

Such a dramatic loss of glacial ice has far-reaching implications, posing a grave threat to our environment. The consequences are particularly dire for the approximately 2 billion people residing downstream of the Himalayan rivers, as they will face the brunt of dangerous flooding and severe water shortages. These rivers, originating from the Himalayas, are crucial lifelines for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.

The report emphasizes the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further exacerbation of the situation. If this critical step is not taken, the risk of devastating flash floods and avalanches will significantly increase in the years to come. Additionally, the availability of fresh water, not only for the 240 million people inhabiting the Himalayan region but also for an astounding 1.65 billion people downstream, will be severely compromised.

The findings of this report highlight the grave injustice faced by mountain communities who have contributed minimally to global warming but now find themselves on the front lines of its detrimental impacts. Amina Maharjan, one of the report's authors and a migration specialist, expressed deep concern for these vulnerable communities. She stressed that current adaptation efforts fall far short of what is necessary, leaving these communities ill-equipped to cope with the impending challenges.

It is disheartening to note that the cryosphere, which encompasses our planet's snow and ice-covered regions, is among the hardest-hit areas by climate change. Mount Everest, the iconic pinnacle of the Himalayas, has witnessed the loss of an astonishing 2,000 years' worth of ice in just three short decades. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of addressing the complex interplay between cryosphere changes, water resources, ecosystems, and society in this fragile mountainous region.

The report's findings also shed light on a distressing reality: the rate of glacier disappearance in the Himalayas has accelerated by 65 percent since 2010 compared to the previous decade. The changes observed in the glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost are not only unprecedented but also largely irreversible, primarily driven by global warming.

The ICIMOD report serves as a stark wake-up call, demanding immediate global action to protect our environment. We cannot ignore the plight of the Himalayan region and its inhabitants, who face an uncertain future unless we collectively take decisive steps to mitigate climate change. It is crucial that we come together, raise awareness, and implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard our planet's precious resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.