Himalayan ‘glacier bankruptcy’ threatens water security for 2 billion in Asia
The Himalayas are approaching a tipping point as glaciers melt faster than a decade ago, threatening water security as the region approaches “peak water” by mid-century, according to a study released this month. The findings come after the collapse of a Himalayan glacier in late August along the Nepal-Tibet border, which caused cascading landslides and flash floods in the valleys below. At least…
A new study warns that the Himalayas are approaching a "glacier bankruptcy" that could threaten water security for 2 billion people in Asia. According to the research, glaciers are melting faster than a decade ago, with 40,000 glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region losing mass at an accelerated rate. The collapse of a glacier in late August along the Nepal-Tibet border triggered landslides and flash floods, killing at least 1,300 and leaving more than 5,300 missing.
Experts warn that the region is nearing "peak water," the point when river flows stop rising and start declining. This will have profound implications for water security in the coming decades. The study found that 56 glacial lakes in India were classified as "very high risk", leaving millions exposed downstream. As Himalayan glaciers continue to shrink, experts predict an era of "glacier bankruptcy" in which permanent water shortages will spread across India and large parts of Asia.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
