Summary
- The Himalayan region is moving closer to a major climate tipping point as glaciers continue to lose ice at an accelerating rate, putting water supplies and the livelihoods of millions of people at growing risk, according to a new study.
- The report warned that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region could reach “peak water” by the middle of the century.
- The mountain region stretches across eight countries, from Afghanistan to Myanmar, and plays a critical role in the water supply of large populations across South and Central Asia.
The Himalayan region is moving closer to a major climate tipping point as glaciers continue to lose ice at an accelerating rate, putting water supplies and the livelihoods of millions of people at growing risk, according to a new study.
The report warned that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region could reach “peak water” by the middle of the century. This is the point when increasing glacier melt eventually stops boosting river flows and water availability begins to decline.
The findings come after a Himalayan glacier collapse along the Nepal-Tibet border in late August triggered a series of landslides and flash floods in nearby valleys. The disaster caused heavy casualties and widespread destruction across affected areas.
The study said retreating glaciers are also creating unstable glacial lakes. Many of these lakes are held back by loose rock and ice. A sudden breach could send large volumes of water downstream and threaten communities living in mountain valleys.
Researchers noted that glacier monitoring remains limited across the region. Only 21 glaciers are currently being monitored on the ground out of an estimated 40,000 glaciers across the Hindu Kush-Himalaya system.
The mountain region stretches across eight countries, from Afghanistan to Myanmar, and plays a critical role in the water supply of large populations across South and Central Asia.
India faces particular risks from the changing Himalayan environment. The study identified nearly 200 high-risk glacial lakes in the country, including 56 classified as very high risk.
The report warned that declining water availability could have serious consequences for agriculture, communities and economies downstream. The Himalayas are also considered a major part of India’s economic infrastructure, supporting hundreds of millions of people.
Despite covering about 18% of India’s land area, the Himalayan region accounts for around 35% of the country’s natural disasters, highlighting its vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
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