Why in News?

• Recently, record high temperatures led to hastened melting of Shisper Glacier, creating a glacial lake burst.

Importance

• The largest number of glaciers outside the Earth’s poles.
• Source of many rivers who are the lifeline of millions.
• Large economic and ecological value.

Status

• Himalayan glaciers have shrunk by 40 % in the last 5-7 centuries.
• IPCC’s 4th Assessment Report predicted glaciers’ melt by 2035.
• Stable glaciers of Karakoram Range are melting faster than ever.
• At least 30-60% glaciers will vanish by the end of 21st century.

Causes

• Rapid Himalayan atmospheric warming.
• Local topography and other factors.
• Impact of Monsoon on rainfall and snowfall.
• Glaciers terminating in lakes melt faster (warm water).

Consequences

• Over a billion will face hazards of food and water security.
• Adverse Impact on safety of hydropower industry.
• Large scale migrations from river floodplains to cities.
• Increased Landslides and glacial lake outburst floods.

Gaps

• Role of black carbon in accelerating melting.
• No data on permafrost, role in slope stability.
• Few weather stations and glaciologists.
• Lack of data sharing among countries (political issues).

Way Ahead

• Invest in research infrastructure.
• Increase cross border cooperation and data sharing.
• Invest in human resources and field data collection.