Description
The WWF report "An Overview of Glaciers, Glacier Retreat and Subsequent Impacts in Nepal, India and China" exposes the rate of retreat of Himalayan glaciers accelerating as global warming increases. The report states that glaciers in the region are now receding at an average rate of 10-15 meters per year.
The rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers will first increase the volume of water in rivers causing widespread flooding, said Jennifer Morgan, Director of WWF' Global Climate Change Programme. But in a few decades this situation will change and the water level in rivers will decline, meaning massive economic and environmental problems for people in Western China, Nepal and Northern India.
The report highlights the risk for China and India, where the retreat of glaciers has already had significant impact in terms of water shortages, more frequent flooding, retreating wetlands and unstable river systems. In a letter sent to participating ministers, WWF stresses the need to recognize climate change as an issue that seriously threatens security and development prospects.
Information
- Author(s)
- S. Chamling Rai
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal Program
- Date / journal vol no.
- March 2005
- Pages
- 79