Question Q.5GS1GS1
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Main Body
Melting of glaciers has accelerated in the recent past & per IPCC report indicating a rise in temperature breaching 1.5°C. The melting has serious environmental, social impact.
Impact on Environment
1Reduced marine biodiversity as denizaling organisms affected value to influx of freshwater.
2Positive feedback loop due to higher evaporation leading to more melting of glaciers.
3Reduced albedo due to lesser glaciers leading to more heat being absorbed.
4Thawing of ice can release stored carbon, increasing greenhouse gas.
5Rise in incidence of vector & chemical diseases like Malaria, dengue due to more pressure.
6Extinction of terrestrial animals, like polar bears, penguins etc as their ice habitat is fragmented.
Impact on Human Society
Water scarcity
Flooding & sea level rise
Increased extension leading to desertification
Measures
1Geo textiles to cover glaciers to prevent melting.
2Reorganizing schemes to stabilize circulation to reduce evaporation.
3Shifting to green technologies to reduce GHG emissions by green hydrogen.
4Closing bog mounts through ice to reduce impact of slipping.
5Studies by NSAR Meadow etc to provide data for formulating policies.
Glaciers are a source of sources, if protected they can sustain our growth.
196 words8 paragraphs
- References IPCC reports
- Identifies feedback mechanisms
- Clear enumeration of environmental impacts
- Technical terminology used appropriately
- Addresses human impacts clearly
- Proposes multiple mitigation measures
- Includes policy formulation angle
- Concluding statement reinforces importance
Topper
Vishnu Sasikumar
AIR 312023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Important Geophysical Phenomena
Climate change and glaciers
Melting glaciers - effects and mitigation
Writing Stats
196
Total words
8
Paragraphs
comprehensive, solution-focused
Tone