Waning Himalayan glaciers a challenge
Deccan Herald, 30 October 2009
South Asia faces a major challenge with the fast depletion of the Himalayan glaciers, scientists opined at a conclave. This could impact the livelihood of 2.6 billion people, who are dependent on the water and natural resources harnessed from the 12 major rivers fed by the glaciers, which may lead to a humanitarian crisis, they pointed out. On the first day of the two-day conclave on “Indian Himalayan glaciers, change and livelihoods”, various organizations and institutions researching on the Himalayan eco-system gave elaborate presentations touching various aspects of the issue. The conclave has been called to focus the attention on the critical need to ensure sustainable development of the Himalayan region by responding to the challenges posed by climate change to its eco-system. Pointing out to several studies on the Himalayan glaciers, Dr Syed Iqbal Hasnain, from TERI, said the scientists projected a 43 per cent decrease in glacial area on average by the year 2070 and 75 per cent decrease by the end of 21st century at the current warming rate.