Question Q.18Bring out and What areGS3GS3
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation?
Main Body
UN declared 2025 as International Year of Glaciers Preservation to bring awareness about the current state of glacial erosion and highlight their significance. Ecological Significance: - Maintain heat balance - Absorb insulation - 'albedo effect' - Store fresh water - Support high-altitude flora/fauna Socio-Economic Significance: - Melted Glacier water is the main source of drinking water for many Ex the ~2 billion people in S. Asia
Provide avenue for recreation Ex Tee-skating - Provide employment and growth - Considered 'body' by many Ex Gangotri Glacier Key challenges in Preservation: - Lack of cross-country collaboration - most glaciers transcend boundary - Rough terrain in and around glaciers - prevents preservation efforts - No action on common sources of pollution near glaciers - black carbon due to forest fires / household cooking - Not much attention given to glacial erosion - in comparison to climate change / wildlife loss - lack of international policy and support
Gaps in understanding of geology and climate Measures taken: National level: - National Climate Action Plan NCAP - Himalayan Composite • Introduction of fuel-efficient chulhas • Direct transition to BS-VI • Leopard Conservation Programme - habitat protection International level: - ICIMOD Long term preservation of glaciers is crucial to ensure water, food and nutritional security in downstream areas.
214 words1 paragraphs2 bullet points
Conclusion
Long term preservation of glaciers is crucial to ensure water, food and nutritional security in downstream areas.
17 words
Topper
ADITYA PATHAK
AIR 1892025
Subject & Paper
GS3GS3
Topic
Biodiversity and Environment
Climate Change
Glacier Preservation
Writing Stats
231
Total words
1
Paragraphs
2
Bullets
informative
Tone