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.
Main Body
With the rise of global temperature by 1.5°C since 1850, there has been a steady melting of glaciers on earth.
Major glaciers affected:
a) Arctic region:
Decline of 30-40% observed since 1980
b) Hindu Himalayan:
Decline of 15% since 1970
c) Antarctica:
One of major tipping points (IPCC ARF) on Earth
Implications:
Ecosystem:
Is Ecological imbalance
Is Disturbed water cycle
Human society:
Risk of disasters
Displacements
Effects on Environment:
1Rise in sea level - expected to rise by 20 cm by 2050 (GTCC ARF)
2Submergence of low lying areas - especially small island states, Pacific island nations
3Water shortage - especially in water scarce regions like Asia (15th out of 17 water stress countries)
4Further global warming - induced albedo due to melting ice
5Trigger disasters - glacial lake outbursts, avalanches, floods, submergence etc.
Measures needed:
a) Proper assessment of receding - is GIS mapping, remote sensing, NIMISHE
b) Climate change mitigation - is reduce fossil fuel emissions, renewable sources of energy
c) Adaptation - is flood embankments, watersheds etc.
182 words8 paragraphs7 bullet points
- Comprehensive coverage of multiple glacier regions
- Specific numerical data provided (1.5°C, 30-40%, 15%)
- Clear categorization into ecosystem and human effects
- Mentions specific assessment tools like GIS mapping
- Addresses both effects and measures as asked
Topper
Abhimanyu Malik
AIR 602023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Important Geophysical Phenomena
Glacial melt and climate change
Effects of glacier melting and mitigation measures
Writing Stats
182
Total words
8
Paragraphs
7
Bullets
structured and analytical
Tone