How do the changes in Himalayan glaciers reflect and contribute to the visible signs of climate change in the Indian subcontinent? Analyze with relevant examples.

Himalayan glaciers are known as third pole of the world and has been witnessing changes in its composition due to climate change. Changes in Himalayan glaciers reflecting climate change: (1) Decrease in size due to melting caused by rise in atmospheric temperature. IPCC Report on Himalayas (2) Loss in biodiversity due to change in temperatures of survivable place. E.g. Temperate vegetation is shifting towards higher altitudes. (3) Frequent disasters like GLOF in Sikkim, Chorabari disaster in Uttarakhand.

Changes in Himalayan glaciers contributing to climate change: (1) Decrease in Earth's albedo due to melting of snow. (2) Absorption of black soot by snow increases melting. (3) Melting raises sea levels which contribute to existential threats for some island nations at Tuvalu. (4) Disrupts cycle of cooling and heating that sustain earth. (5) Promotes warming of Asian Continent. According to WMO report, Asia is warming at twice the rate of world. Declaration of 2025 as year of glaciers is a step in right direction. Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting Mission LIFE should be way forward.