Context:
Glaciers around the world have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with 2023 marking the highest recorded ice loss of 604 billion tons. This rapid glacier meltdown is now the primary contributor to rising sea levels, surpassing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.
Glacier Meltdown and Climate Change
Key Data & Facts
- Between 2000 and 2011, glaciers lost ice at an average rate of 255 billion tons per year.
- From 2011 to 2023, this rate increased to 346 billion tons per year, indicating accelerated melting.
- In 2023 alone, glaciers lost a record 604 billion tons of ice.
- Alaskan glaciers are melting the fastest, losing around 67 billion tons annually.
- Central European glaciers have shrunk by 39% since 2000 due to rising global temperatures.
Causes of Glacier Meltdown
Global Temperature Rise
- Greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas have increased global temperatures.
- Higher temperatures accelerate glacial melting, especially in the Arctic, Himalayas, and Andes.
Extreme Heatwaves and Summers
- Intense heatwaves and prolonged warm seasons lead to faster ice melting.
- Alpine glaciers in Europe, the Andes, and the Rocky Mountains have been severely affected.
Declining Snowfall
- Less snowfall means less ice replenishment, leading to sustained glacier shrinkage.
- Reduced snowfall in Himalayan glaciers threatens major rivers like the Ganges and Indus.
Human-Induced Climate Change
- Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization increase carbon emissions.
- Rising CO₂ levels trap heat, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and glacier retreat.
Impacts of Glacier Meltdown
1. Rising Sea Levels
- Glacier melt contributes more to sea level rise than Greenland and Antarctica.
- Coastal cities like Mumbai, New York, and Jakarta face increasing risks of flooding.
2. Water Scarcity
- Short-term increase in river flow, followed by long-term water shortages.
- Himalayan glacier loss threatens the water supply of millions in South Asia.
3. Loss of Biodiversity
- Glacial retreat disrupts freshwater ecosystems and affects species that rely on glacial-fed rivers.
- Declining glacier-fed streams threaten fisheries and aquatic habitats.
4. Increased Natural Disasters
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose a severe threat in Himalayan and Andean regions.
- Increased landslides and flash floods impact mountain communities.
5. Economic Disruptions
- Declining glaciers affect hydroelectric power generation, leading to energy shortages.
- Loss of tourism revenue in regions like Switzerland, Nepal, and Alaska due to shrinking glaciers.
- Agricultural lands dependent on glacial meltwater suffer from lower crop yields.
Solutions to Mitigate Glacier Melting
1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) to cut carbon emissions.
- Adopt electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Glacier Conservation Strategies
- Artificial glacier projects (such as ice stupas in Ladakh) store water for later use.
- Reforestation programs help regulate temperatures and reduce heat absorption.
3. Sustainable Water Management
- Improved irrigation techniques to reduce dependency on glacial meltwater.
- Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to ensure long-term water availability.
4. Strengthening Global Climate Agreements
- Strict implementation of the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise below 1.5°C.
- International cooperation for research and technology-sharing on glacier preservation.
5. Disaster Preparedness and Adaptation
- Early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Community-based resilience programs to protect vulnerable mountain populations.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Geography
- Climate change and its impact on the cryosphere (glaciers and ice sheets).
- Glacial retreat and its consequences on water resources and ecosystems.
GS Paper 3 – Environment & Disaster Management
- Global warming’s effect on freshwater reserves.
- Mitigation and adaptation strategies for glacier conservation.
- Sustainable policies to manage sea level rise and water security.
UPSC CSE: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following is the largest contributor to global sea level rise?
a) Greenland ice sheet
b) Antarctic ice sheet
c) Glacial melting worldwide
d) Thermal expansion of seawater
Answer: c) Glacial melting worldwide
2. What is the primary cause of increased glacier melt in recent years?
a) Ozone layer depletion
b) Volcanic eruptions
c) Rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions
d) Increased snowfall patterns
Answer: c) Rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions
3. Which region has experienced the fastest glacier melting?
a) Alaska
b) Greenland
c) Antarctica
d) The Sahara Desert
Answer: a) Alaska
4. What is a major consequence of glacier melting on freshwater availability?
a) Long-term increase in water availability
b) Short-term increase, followed by long-term depletion
c) No impact on water resources
d) Immediate reduction in river flow
Answer: b) Short-term increase, followed by long-term depletion
UPSC Mains Question
“Glacier melting has become the biggest contributor to global sea level rise. Discuss the key reasons, major impacts, and possible mitigation strategies to address the issue.” (250 words)
Conclusion
The alarming rate of glacier melting poses severe environmental, economic, and social challenges. Rising global temperatures, declining snowfall, and extreme climate events are accelerating glacial retreat. This leads to sea level rise, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and increased natural disasters.
Addressing these issues requires a global commitment to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen disaster preparedness, and implement sustainable water management practices. By taking immediate action, we can mitigate the impact of glacier melting and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
Also Read:
No comments:
Post a Comment