Himalaya approaching tipping point, report says
Peak water, the point in time when river flows stop rising and start declining, could happen by mid-century
The Himalayan region is nearing a critical tipping point, according to a recent study. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, faster than a decade ago, which is threatening water security in the area. This development is expected to reach "peak water" by mid-century. The collapse of a Himalayan glacier in late August, along the Nepal-Tibet border, triggered landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 1,300 deaths and over 5,300 missing individuals in Nepal and China's Tibet region.
As glaciers recede, they leave behind unstable glacial lakes, held back by loose rock and ice, in valleys where millions reside. The study, conducted by Systemiq, the Integrated Mountain Initiative, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, and India's G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, highlights that the Himalaya support over 20% of India's GDP, making it a vital part of the country's economic infrastructure.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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