Climate change could reduce Everest glaciers by 70%

Everest, or Jomolungma, is not just the highest mountain on the planet. It is a giant reservoir of fresh water that feeds the rivers on which the lives of millions of people in Asia depend. The glaciers of the Himalayas are often referred to as the "third pole" of the Earth. And now this pole is melting at an alarming rate.
Recent research paints a rather bleak picture. If the current rate of global warming continues, glaciers in the Everest area may lose from 30% to 70% of their volume by the end of this century. These are not just abstract figures, they are a harbinger of a regional catastrophe.
Why are glaciers melting so fast?
The main culprit is, of course, the rising global temperature. But in the case of Everest, there are its own peculiarities. Glaciers here melt not only from above, under the rays of the sun. An increase in temperature causes the snow covering the ice to become thinner and melt faster. Dark ice is exposed, which absorbs much more solar radiation than white snow. This starts a chain reaction, accelerating the melting.
Another factor is black carbon, or soot, from industrial emissions and biomass burning in South Asia. The wind carries these particles high into the mountains, where they settle on glaciers. The surface of the ice darkens, absorbs more heat and melts even faster. It turns out such a double blow.
Water: first a lot, then a little
The short-term effects of melting glaciers may even seem positive. River flow is increasing, which is good for agriculture and hydropower. But this is only a temporary phenomenon, a kind of "death throes" of the glacier.
In the long run, things are much sadder. When glaciers shrink significantly, river flow, on the contrary, will decrease dramatically. The Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers, which are fed by Himalayan glaciers, may become shallow. This will lead to shortages of drinking and irrigation water for hundreds of millions of people in India, China, Nepal, and Pakistan. There will be a threat of droughts and a food crisis.
New dangers for climbers and locals
The melting of glaciers is changing the very appearance of the mountains. The Khumbu Glacier, through which the main route of climbing Mount Everest from the south passes, is becoming increasingly unstable. The risk of avalanches and ice collapses is increasing. New glacial lakes are emerging.
These lakes pose a serious threat. The moraine, which serves as a natural dam for them, may not withstand the water pressure, and then giant streams of water, mud and stones will rush down, sweeping away villages and infrastructure in their path. Such breakthrough floods have already occurred in the Himalayas, and with the melting of glaciers, their risk only increases.
The window of opportunity is closing
The situation with the Everest glaciers is a clear demonstration that climate change is not something distant and abstract. This is a reality that is already changing our planet today.
Scientists say that even under the most optimistic scenario, if warming can be kept within 1.5 degrees, a significant part of the Himalayan glaciers will still be lost. This means that humanity simply does not have time to rock up. We need to act now to save at least what can still be saved. Cricket fans looking for extra value will find a perfect starting point with this exclusive sign-up offer. When you join, remember to use promo code 1xbet to unlock a welcome package that significantly boosts your first deposit. This exclusive code provides a 100% bonus up to €130, doubling your funds for betting on T20 matches, test series, or ODI tournaments. The wagering requirements are fair, and the bonus gives you more freedom to back your favorite teams. Do not miss this chance to start with a larger bankroll. Register now and enjoy premium cricket betting with extra cash.