The melting of glaciers due to climate change has serious implications for the ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.

IPCC reports have given a red warning for melting glaciers with rise in global temperatures. Be it Hindu Kush Mountains or Arctic ice it has serious implications.

Recently, IINOD warned that 2°C climate breach could lead to loss of upto 80% glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalayas.

Effect on environment:

1. Impact rainfall and weather pattern with more moisture availability & high temperatures, there will be erratic & intense rainfall (consider recent floods in Himachal Pradesh)

2. It will lead to rise in sea level and affect global distribution of currents and wind pattern.

3. It will impact the drainage basin. Consider 2.5 bn people in Asia impacted with changes in Indus, Brahmaputra and Gange sided dams impacting lives upto plains & coastal areas

4. Lead to glacial lake outburst

5. Pose disasters like cloudburst, landslides

Measures:

1. Here research & international collaboration through forums like Arctic council, IINOD

2. Address developmental and urbanization problems in fragile ecosystem

3. Dedicated mitigation and adaptation measures like land-trading, afforestation

4. Pursue national carbon targets as part of commitments to UNFCCC

5. Raised awareness in citizens. India has dedicated mission on Himalayan restoration, it should be implemented with more international support in subsequent.