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Two-thirds of Himalayan ice cap may melt
Why in news?
Study according to Kathmandu-based International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Nepal says that two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers, the world’s Third Pole could melt by 2100 if global emissions are not reduced.
Study analysis
According to the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment:
- Even if the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5° C is achieved, one-third of the glaciers would go.
- Glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region are a critical water source for some 250 million people in the mountains as well as to 1.65 billion others in the river valleys below.
- Glaciers feed important river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, Yellow, Mekong and Irrawaddy, and directly or indirectly supply billions of people with food, energy, clean air and income.
Impacts
- People from their melting will range from worsened air pollution to more extreme weather.
- Pre-monsoon river flows will throw urban water systems and food and energy production system a sever damage.
Source
The Hindu