The comprehensive report of the Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment study, recently published by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), discusses the alarming concerns around the melting of glaciers and altering weather patterns in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. This area holds significant global importance due to its vast ice mass, second only to the North and South Poles. Due to a consistent warming trend since the 1970s, the future projections are worrisome. If worldwide efforts to curb global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels fall short, it could result in the melting of two-thirds of the region’s glaciers by 2100.
The Threats of Melting Glaciers
Among the significant effects of this warming trend is the possibility of flooding from glacial lake outbursts. The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is home to an estimated 8,790 glacial lakes – with 203 of these lakes posing severe flood risks. Furthermore, the region witnesses about 76 instances of natural hazards each year, with China reporting 25 events and India at 18.
Increasing Pollution and the Impact on Hindu Kush Glaciers
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the most polluted regions globally, has amplified the adverse effects of greenhouse gases. Accumulation of black carbon and dust particles has accelerated the melting process of Hindu Kush glaciers, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences.
Effects on River Systems
A rise in glacial melts can destabilize river systems by altering their stream flow. For instance, the Indus River could experience increased stream flow due to high glacial melt till 2050. After that, the flow might gradually decrease due to the reduction in glacial melt. Similar variations are likely for the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, which primarily depend on monsoon flows for their water levels. These interruptions could seriously affect agricultural water use, which forms a significant part of the water consumption in these areas.
| River | Palnned Flow Increase Until |
|---|---|
| Indus | 2050 |
| Ganga and Brahmaputra | Decline in Pre-monsoon flows |
The Changing Face of Monsoons
The Hindu Kush range plays an essential role in influencing the monsoon circulation and rainfall distribution over Asia during the summer season. However, changing monsoon patterns, including heightened severity and frequency of storms, could potentially lead to mountain hazards, causing damage to vital infrastructure in the region.
Potential for Forced Environmental Migration
Extreme events such as floods, intensified by the melting glaciers, could prompt forced migration from the affected areas.
About ICIMOD
ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental body facilitating learning and knowledge-sharing among eight member countries in the Hindu Kush Himalayas – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. From its base in Kathmandu, Nepal, ICIMOD is dedicated to helping mountain people understand, adapt to, and leverage new opportunities presented by globalization and climate change, while effectively addressing upstream-downstream issues.
Himalayan Glaciers: Victims of Climate Change
The Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment study underscores the pressing need to address the dire impacts of climate change on critical ecosystems such as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The accelerated melting of glaciers underlines the urgent need for global collaboration to slow down climate change and safeguard these fragile ecosystems.
