Himalayan glacier melting temporarily slowed during Covid lockdown: Study
The temporary shutdown led to cleaner air, reducing the deposition of soot on the glaciers, thereby preserving their mass.
In a silver lining to the COVID-19 lockdown, a recent study reveals that reduced air pollution levels during this period played a crucial role in safeguarding the Himalayan glaciers. With industries, transportation, and aviation halted globally, pollutants decreased significantly, resulting in 0.5 to 1.5 mm less daily snow melting on the glaciers, according to the study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.
Lockdown’s Impact on Glacier Conservation
The study suggests that if humanity can maintain pollution levels at those witnessed during the lockdown, it could serve as a formidable strategy to protect the Himalayan glaciers from further degradation by the end of the century. The temporary shutdown led to cleaner air, reducing the deposition of soot on the glaciers, thereby preserving their mass.
The Vital Role of Himalayan Glaciers
The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) and the Tibetan highlands in Central Asia constitute the world’s largest snow-covered region outside the polar areas. The melting water from these glaciers is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, and the overall economies of these nations. During spring, Himalayan snowmelt contributes approximately half of the annual freshwater supply for about 4 billion people in South Asia and East Asia.
Diminishing Resources and Climate Change Impact
Despite their critical importance, Himalayan glaciers face a threat of rapid reduction. Global warming has already caused a 40% decrease in the glacier area compared to the Little Ice Age in the Middle Ages. Over the past three decades, the overall snow mass in the region has significantly declined, with model simulations suggesting that these glaciers could vanish by the end of the 21st century due to melting snow.
Long-Term Climate Change Challenges
The thinning of glaciers is attributed to climate change, characterized by rising air temperatures and shifts in precipitation patterns. Addressing these long-term challenges will require sustained efforts over decades. Additionally, short-term factors, such as the distribution and deposition of light-absorbing particles like dust and soot (black carbon), significantly contribute to glacier melting.
The Impact of Short-Term Factors
Research indicates that soot, a byproduct of increased energy demand in densely populated South Asia, has a more pronounced impact on glacier snowmelt than greenhouse gases. The escalating emissions of greenhouse gases and soot particles intensify the darkening and melting of snow in the region, posing a severe threat to the stability of Himalayan glaciers.
A Call for Sustainable Practices
The study underscores the need for adopting sustainable practices to maintain reduced pollution levels, akin to those observed during the lockdown, as a means to protect these vital water resources. It highlights the delicate balance between long-term climate change challenges and immediate factors contributing to glacier degradation.
Conclusion: Toward Sustainable Glacier Conservation
As the world grapples with climate change and its impact on crucial water sources, the study provides a beacon of hope. By drawing attention to the positive outcomes of reduced pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown, it calls for collective efforts to maintain cleaner air and preserve the Himalayan glaciers. In adopting sustainable practices, humanity can take a significant step toward securing the water supply for billions and ensuring the longevity of these glaciers for generations to come.
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