A recent study reveals alarming glacier loss in Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern Himalayas. Between 1988 and 2020, the region lost 110 glaciers, reducing glacial cover by 47% – from 585.23 sq. km to 309.85 sq. km, at a retreat rate of 16.94 sq. km per year.
The research, published in the Journal of Earth System Science, highlights critical findings:
- Glacier count dropped from 756 to 646
- Most glaciers are located at 4,500-4,800 meters elevation
- Temperature in the eastern Himalayan region is rising faster than the global average
- Smaller glaciers under 5 sq. km are shrinking most rapidly
The study warns of significant consequences, including potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), disrupted freshwater availability, and ecosystem damage. As the ‘Third Pole’, the Himalayan region is crucial for over 1.3 billion people downstream, making this glacier retreat a matter of serious environmental concern.
Researchers predict continued warming, with potential temperature increases of 5-6°C and precipitation changes of 20-30% by century’s end.
Reference: TH
