Kathmandu, 21st, March, World Day for Glaciers was held and The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Department (ICIMOD) reported a few bizarre glacier-facts. The reports on changing dynamics of glaciers in Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, have witnessed 27 meters of ice thickness since 1975.
The situation demands immediate action on glacier monitoring, better standardization of methodologies and the need for investment on climate-resilient planning to mitigate the changing Cryosphere. Apart from North and South Poles Himalayan Mountains hold the largest volume of ice. This volume of ice eventually flows as 10 main and the significant Rivers of Asia and supports food, water, energy and livelihood of billions of people.
Since, 78% of this glacier area is located between 4500 to 6000 meters above the Sea level, the area becomes succumb to elevation-dependent warming.
Pema Gyamtsho, the Director general of ICIMOD said the Himalayan range is at crossroads since the ice loss in this century has doubled, we have to take initiatives to get rid of the crisis.
Iran surprises US and Israel, it has attacked US airbase at Diego Gracia islands.
The rapid escalation leads to catastrophic floods and we have to attend the Cryosphere on priority to avoid the future shocks.
He added the situation is grave and the Government must act now