SRINAGAR JAN 02: Recent studies and experts say that climate change, a global concern, poses a significant threat to the Himalayas, endangering its diverse biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and glaciers and could lead to water scarcity in Asian countries.
According to various recent studies titled ‘Changing climatic scenarios, impacts, vulnerabilities and perception with special reference to the Indian Himalayan’ and ‘Impacts of Climate Change on Plants with Special Reference To The Himalayan Region’, the climate of the Himalayan region is changing at an alarming rate with adverse impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, water resources, livelihood and other ecosystems.
“Climate change is a serious worry in the Himalayas because of its probable impacts on the economy, ecology, and environment, as well as downstream areas. Climate change has the potential to permanently affect distinct forest ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to the extinction of several species,” according to the study titled ‘Impacts of Climate Change on Plants with Special Reference To The Himalayan Region’.
“Some of the effects of climate change on the plants of Himalayan region include the spread of invasive species, pests and diseases, habitat loss, and rise in the frequency and intensity of forest fires and melting of glaciers,” it says.
Similarly, another study titled: ‘Assessment of potential present and future glacial lake outburst flood hazard in the Hunza Valley: A case study of Shisper and Mochowar glacier’ says that climate change has resulted in an increase in the occurrence of many natural disasters such as flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas.
GLOF is the term scientists use to describe when the water level of glacial lakes breaches their boundaries, which can cause large amounts of water to flow into nearby streams and rivers, creating flash floods. :
Adil Ahmad, a Kashmir-based geologist, has expressed concern over the rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. He says the crucial role played by these glaciers and snowfields, serving as the source for major rivers such as the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Jehlum, Kishenganga, and Sind. “These rivers are vital for sustaining the lives and livelihoods of millions across South Asia, supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, and urban centres downstream. Ahmad warned that if the current pace of glacier melting continues, it could lead to future water scarcity in countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, and Afghanistan, adversely impacting various sectors,” he added.
