Himalayan Glaciers Collapsing Fast: “Nepal Is On Thin Ice”

The United Nations Secretary-General has sounded an urgent alarm over the deteriorating state of the Himalayan glaciers due to escalating climate change. Addressing Nepal’s first-ever “Everest Dialogue” via video message, he urged global cooperation to safeguard these fragile ecosystems.

Declaring that “Nepal is on thin ice,” he revealed that the country has seen nearly a third of its glaciers vanish over a span of thirty years. The rate at which these glaciers in Nepal are melting has increased by 65% in the past decade compared to the previous one, driven largely by record-high temperatures. This rapid melting threatens ecosystems, water supply, and livelihoods spread across South Asia.

Historically, the glaciers of the Himalayas have been vital sources of freshwater. Their swift retreat now puts nearly two billion people, reliant on downstream water supplies, at risk.

The critical river systems, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus, are facing lower water flow, jeopardizing agriculture, drinking water access, and overall food security. Moreover, saltwater intrusion and collapsing river deltas could lead to significant displacement of populations in these vulnerable areas.

In the lead-up to the meeting, over 100 young Nepali activists made their voices heard with a compelling declaration for immediate and inclusive climate action. They stressed the need for leaders to treat young people as active stakeholders and participants, not merely helpless victims of environmental degradation.

Their main demands include involving children in policy-making processes, supporting youth-led climate initiatives, and acknowledging the impact of climate change on child rights.

The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need for an end to the fossil fuel-driven warming of the planet, a sentiment he shared during a previous visit to the Everest region in 2023.

Amid the visibly receding glaciers, he noted how the world’s highest peaks were “disappearing.” He commended Nepal’s proactive climate actions, highlighting efforts such as reforestation, implementation of early warning systems, and their ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

He underscored the need to confine global temperature rise to 1.5°C, in adherence to the Paris Agreement. He urged leading polluters to take charge by slashing emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and fulfilling their pledges of climate finance.

The plight of Himalayan glaciers serves as a sobering reminder of the immediate need for worldwide climate action. As climate change continues to accelerate, it is crucial for nations to collaborate and implement strategies to protect these vital natural resources that sustain billions of lives.