Nepal’s Glacial Resources: A Double-Edged Sword Amid Climate Change
The Sagarmatha Sambaad begins today in Kathmandu, focusing on climate change and its impact on the Himalayas. The summit emphasizes the need to preserve glacial resources while leveraging their potential for economic contributions like freshwater and tourism. Climate dynamics threaten local ecosystems, yet opportunities remain for sustainable development.
The inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad, organized by Nepal’s foreign ministry, kicked off today in Kathmandu, running from May 16th to the 18th. Focused on the pressing issue of climate change, the summit aims to address the future of humanity in relation to the Himalayas. There’s a growing sentiment that this could set the stage to prioritize the environmental significance of this region over its commercial exploitation.
The Himalayas house the world’s most extensive ice reserves outside the polar areas, catering to the water needs of over a billion people reliant on rivers like the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus for drinking, agriculture, and power generation. However, these glaciers face alarming declines. The mean annual temperature is reportedly rising at 0.06 ℃ in the Nepal Himalayas—surpassing the global average—while glacial lakes and outburst floods have been linked to this warming. This dynamics can provoke sudden floods that threaten surrounding communities.
Climate change has significantly impacted glaciers and lake stability in Nepal. Between 1977 and 2010, Nepal’s glacier areas shrunk by 24% while ice reserves diminished by 29%. That’s a troubling average retreat of 38 km² a year. Many famous peaks like Everest and Langtang are severely affected. If the current trends continue, some glaciers, such as Yala in Langtang, might completely disappear by 2040. This not only signifies water scarcity but raises the stakes for ecosystem disruption and enhanced glacier hazards, like avalanches and GLOFs.
In terms of glacial lakes, Nepal is home to over 2,000 of these bodies of water. Studies indicate that between 1987 and 2017, the area of glacial lakes in Nepal expanded by 0.83% annually—more than the surrounding Himalayan averages. A significant report from ICIMOD and UNDP identified 3,579 glacial lakes in critical river basins, highlighting the risks posed by glacially dammed lakes, potentially resulting in detrimental GLOFs. The analysis warns that future floods could be significantly more catastrophic than usual seasonal floods. Damage is likely to concentrate heavily on the Nepali side of the border.
Despite hazards, glaciers and glacial lakes also present significant economic gains for Nepal. These water sources are vital for irrigation and micro-hydro projects yet remain largely unutilized. Moreover, these lakes hold cultural significance for pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts. They enhance the scenic beauty, attracting trekkers and fostering opportunities for winter sports, which could mirror the success seen in the Andes or the Alps.
The Sagarmatha Sambaad might serve as a turning point, fostering international cooperation and climate justice while enhancing data collection on glaciers and lakes through advanced monitoring strategies. This could pave the way for an extensive early warning system addressing avalanches and floods, thereby protecting communities. The aim is to consolidate these economic potentials, ensuring sustainable water resources and tourism growth. With robust planning and cross-border collaboration, Nepal can steer towards a resilient future, making full advantage of its unique glacial assets.
The Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu is a crucial step towards tackling climate change’s impact on the Himalayas. The summit could facilitate prioritizing environmental conservation over revenue generation, aiming to save vital water sources while fostering economic growth through tourism and hydropower. With urgent action, there is hope for a sustainable future for Nepal’s mountain communities, balancing risks and opportunities presented by the region’s glacial resources.
Original Source: myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com
