In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a silver lining has emerged from an unexpected source – the Himalayan glaciers. An international research team, scrutinizing data from the 2020 lockdown, has found that reducing air pollution to levels observed during the pandemic could be the key to preserving Himalayas, preventing their disappearance by the century’s end.
THE PANDEMIC’S SILVER LINING FOR GLACIERS
The unprecedented global lockdown in 2020 inadvertently provided a natural experiment, revealing a direct link between reduced air pollution and the health of the Himalayan glaciers. With fewer pollutants in the air, notably soot, these glaciers experienced a significant reduction in daily snowmelt—0.5 to 1.5 mm less per day.
Soot’s Impact: A Threat to Himalayan Glaciers
The retreat of glaciers and diminishing snow cover in the Himalayas already imperil the sustainable water supply for billions in Asia. Regions dependent on rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Yangtze face potential water scarcity due to the accelerated melting caused by soot deposition.
THE LINK BETWEEN AIR POLLUTION AND GLACIER RETREAT
The research team emphasizes that a substantial reduction in air pollutants, particularly soot, could cut snowmelt in half. This reduction is not just a numerical triumph; it’s a lifeline for sustainable water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems across vast expanses of Asia.
A CLEAR PATH TO PRESERVATION: CLEAN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
The solution lies in a shift towards cleaner energy sources and lower-emission transportation. Embracing these changes would not only benefit the environment but also safeguard the vital water resources, agricultural practices, and ecosystems in Asia. The researchers advocate for a decisive move away from the current trajectory, using the pandemic-induced reduction in emissions as a blueprint for a sustainable future.
WATER CRISIS LOOMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BILLIONS IN ASIA
The Hindu Kush Himalayas and the Tibetan highlands constitute the largest snow-covered region outside the poles. The glaciers’ melt water is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, sustaining agriculture, hydropower generation, and overall economic stability. The looming threat of Himalayan glacier disappearance raises alarms, particularly considering that the spring snowmelt alone provides half of the annual freshwater for about 4 billion people in South Asia and East Asia.
Global warming has already claimed 40% of the Himalayan glacier area compared to the Middle Ages. Simulations predict a dire future, with the possibility of complete glacier disappearance by the end of the 21st century if drastic measures are not taken.
While long-term factors like climate change contribute to glacier thinning, short-term influences like soot deposition plays a pivotal role. Studies reveal that soot has a more immediate impact on glacier melting than greenhouse gases. The economic slowdown during the pandemic underscored the extent of human influence on the environment, presenting an opportunity to rethink and reshape policies for a sustainable future.
The research underscores the urgency of curbing air pollution to preserve the Himalayan glaciers. The lessons learned from the pandemic should serve as a wake-up call, prompting nations to prioritize sustainable practices and pave the way for a future where these majestic glaciers stand resilient against the looming threats of climate change and pollution.
