The recent ‘Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region’ report has revealed some intriguing information about snowfall trends in the Hindukush Himalayan mountain ranges. This report is vital as it provides insights into how global warming is impacting the Indian subcontinent and its surrounding regions.
The Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region Report
Published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region Report is India’s pioneer forecast on potential outcomes of global warming over the next century.
Highlighting the HinduKush Himalayan (HKH) Region
As an essential part of the global ecosystem, the HKH spans across several countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Covering approximately 5 million square kilometres, the region is home to a vast and culturally diverse population. The HKH region, often referred to as the Third Pole due to its significant amount of cryospheric zones, plays a vital role in the world’s climate system.
Key Findings of the Report
Contradicting the widely accepted belief that global warming is causing a steady decline in snowfall and retreat of glaciers, the report presents a contrasting picture. It highlights that some high-elevation regions in the Karakoram Himalayas have experienced increased winter snowfalls, thus preventing extensive glacier shrinkage. However, the report also points out that despite the increased snowfalls, the overall climate in the Hindukush Karakoram region is experiencing faster warming during winter compared to other seasons.
Underlying Reasons for the Changes
A combination of factors are contributing to these changes. The complex weather dynamics in the Himalayas, caused by the interaction of tropical and extratropical weather systems, are leading to faster warming of the region. Global warming also plays a significant role in this, with the decadal warming trend recorded from 1951 to 2014 being 1.3 degree Celsius, up from a 0.16 degree Celsius increase from 1900 to 1950.
Future Impacts of Climate Change
The report projects a rise in the annual mean surface temperature by 2.2 degrees Celsius during 2040 – 2069, and a further increase by 3.3 degree Celsius during 2070 – 2099 along these ranges. It also predicts an increase in precipitation, with a significant rise in extreme events over the Hindukush Karakoram region.
The Significance of the Hindukush Karakoram Region
The importance of the Hindukush Karakoram ranges is multifold. They, together with the Tibetan Plateau, greatly influence the Indian Summer Monsoon. These mountain ranges are the source of 10 major river systems in Asia, providing drinking water, irrigation and power for 1.3 billion people. Major Indian rivers like the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra are replenished due to the melted snow from these ranges. After the North and the South Poles, the Hindukush – Karakoram ranges, along with the Tibetan Plateau, hold the largest reserves of freshwater.
This report not only gives insight into the impacts of climate change on these critical regions but also underscores the need to take immediate and comprehensive action against global warming.
