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Himalayan glaciers could lose 80% of their volume

Via Associated Press, June 20, 2023

Glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates across the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges and could lose up to 80% of their volume this century if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t sharply reduced, according to a new report.

The report from Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development warned that flash floods and avalanches would grow more likely in coming years, and that the availability of fresh water could be curtailed for nearly 2 billion people who live downstream of 12 rivers that originate in the mountains.

Ice and snow in the Hindu Kush Himalayan ranges are an important source of water for those rivers, which flow through 16 countries in Asia and provide fresh water to 240 million people in the mountains and another 1.65 billion downstream.

• https://apnews.com/article/himalayan-glaciers-climate-change-melting-85cf414573ed8a9fbde4cb56ecf4fdd7

Read the Hindu Kush - Himalayan report from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

Snow and ice in the Hindu Kush Himalaya are fast disappearing, with grave implications for people and nature

• https://hkh.icimod.org/hi-wise

Key Findings

Glaciers disappeared 65% faster in the 2010s than in the previous decade

On current emissions pathways 80% of glaciers’ current volume will be gone by 2100

Availability of water is expected to peak in mid-century and then decline

Vulnerable mountain communities are already experiencing major adverse impacts: loss and damage to lives, property, heritage, infrastructure

Floods and landslides are projected to increase

Impacts on mountain habitats are particularly acute