기후변화로 거칠어지는 히말라야 강들… “더 많은 홍수·재해 초래”

Glaciers in the Himalayas are rapidly melting due to climate change, potentially leading to more frequent flooding and natural disasters, according to a study led by researchers from China's Beijing University of Geosciences. The glaciers, often referred to as Asia's "water bank," supply water to 20 billion people in Asia. However, accelerated melting due to rising temperatures could result in more intense flooding and erosion.

The study analyzed river patterns over 40 years from three major watersheds in the Himalayan highlands and found significant increases in river bends (33%), side-slope erosion (97%), and river path changes (115%) during this period. These changes are attributed to the impact of climate change on glacier and permafrost melting, which increases water flow and sediment transport in the rivers.

The research team warns that these rapidly changing rivers pose serious risks to infrastructure and water security for millions of people who rely on the Himalayan water sources.