The ongoing pandemic has had a significant impact on the movement of people, leading to growing concerns about the threat of global warming on the Himalayan mountain glaciers. The long-lasting effects of carbon dioxide in the air could lead to the complete melting of these glaciers in this century, posing a major risk to the region’s ecosystem and millions of people who rely on it for their daily needs.
The Himalayas and Tibetan highlands are crucial for preserving glaciers and the snow that feeds them, as they are the source of ten major rivers in Asia. These rivers provide water for about half of the annual needs of four billion people. Research by Indian, German, and British scientists published in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics journal reveals that reducing soot levels could have a positive effect on slowing down snow melting in the Himalayas by up to half.
During the pandemic lockdown, air pollution reduced significantly due to decreased transportation over the region. This resulted in lighter and less heat-absorbent snow surfaces, which helped preserve snow cover during spring and slowed down melting rate. However, even if climate warms below one and a half degrees Celsius, a third of glaciers could still disappear due to carbon dioxide emissions. It is crucial to take immediate action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to prevent further damage to this critical ecosystem.
Reducing soot levels can help mitigate this risk by slowing down snow loss significantly. The protection of snow cover is essential for glacier preservation as it helps in slow melting processes and formation of new ice. Therefore, it is essential that we take measures towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions and controlling air pollution levels to preserve this vital resource for future generations.
In conclusion, while we may be able to travel with restricted movement due to global events such as pandemics or climate change-related restrictions, it is important not to ignore its impact on our environment and our future needs. The preservation of natural resources such as glaciers is crucial for our survival and should be given utmost priority through sustainable practices towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting our planet’s resources.