Himalayan Meltdown

"The Great Himalayan Meltdown" refers to the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers due to rising global temperatures, threatening water supplies for billions, increasing catastrophic floods (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods or GLOFs), and disrupting ecosystems across Asia, impacting communities from India and Pakistan to China and Bangladesh. This accelerated melt, observed in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, is causing immediate hazards like floods and long-term water scarcity, even as the region warms faster than the global average, highlighting a critical climate change impact.

 

Key Impacts & Issues

 

Water Security: Glaciers feed major Asian rivers; their melting threatens water for agriculture and drinking for over a billion people downstream.

Increased Flooding: Melting ice forms unstable glacial lakes that can burst, causing sudden, destructive floods (GLOFs) in valleys below.

Faster Warming: The HKH region is warming at a higher rate than the global average, intensifying these effects.

Disproportionate Impact: Countries in the region contribute little to global emissions but suffer disproportionately from climate impacts, say reports from organizations like the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Socio-Economic Risks: Water shortages and floods threaten livelihoods, potentially causing migrations and geopolitical tension.