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20-January-2025-Special-Article

January 20 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

GLACIERS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Glaciers are vast, slow-moving ice masses formed over centuries from compressed snow. They play a crucial role in Earth’s climate and water cycle. However, with global warming, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, posing serious challenges to ecosystems and human societies. To address this, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, with March 21st designated as World Glacier Day.

    

What are Glaciers?

  • Glaciers are massive ice formations that develop from accumulated snow over long periods.
  • They gradually move due to gravity, shifting downward.
  • The current glaciers are remnants of the extensive ice sheets from the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago.
  • Earth’s history has experienced alternating glacial and interglacial periods.

Global Distribution of Glaciers

  • Most glaciers exist in polar regions like Greenland, Antarctica, and the Canadian Arctic, where sunlight is minimal.
  • Tropical glaciers are found in high-altitude areas near the equator, such as the Andes in South America.
  • Glaciers hold about 2% of the Earth’s total water supply.

Causes of Glacier Melting

  • Greenhouse gas emissions have increased global temperatures, particularly in polar regions.
  • Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels and landscape changes.
  • Even with emission reductions, over one-third of the world’s glaciers may disappear by 2100.

Significance of Glaciers

Water Supply:

  • Glaciers provide fresh water to millions, especially in dry regions.
  • They contribute significantly to rivers like Amu Darya and support cities such as La Paz, Bolivia.
  • In India, artificial ice stupas help store water for agriculture in Ladakh.

Nutrient Cycling:

  • Glaciers release essential nutrients into water bodies, fostering phytoplankton growth and supporting aquatic life.

Climate Regulation:

  • The reflective surface of glaciers (albedo effect) helps in cooling the Earth.

Energy Production:

  • Meltwater is used for hydroelectric power in countries like Norway and Canada.

Tourism and Research:

  • Glaciers attract visitors and offer opportunities for scientific study.

Current Status of Glaciers

  • The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) tracks about 210,000 glaciers, showing extensive melting trends since 1976.
  • The Hindu Kush Himalayas are experiencing warming at twice the global rate, increasing the risk of glacial lake floods.
  • Several glaciers, such as Yala Glacier in Nepal and Peyto Glacier in Canada, have significantly retreated.

Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH)

  • The HKH range spans 3,500 km across eight countries, hosting peaks over 7,000 meters.
  • Known as the “Third Pole,” it contains significant ice reserves outside the Arctic and Antarctica.
  • It serves as the “Water Tower of Asia,” supplying water to major rivers such as the Ganges and Indus, benefiting millions.
  • The region is home to diverse flora and fauna across four biodiversity hotspots.

Impacts of Glacier Melting

Negative Effects:

  • Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers lead to coastal erosion and stronger storms. If all glaciers melted, the sea level could rise by over 60 meters.
  • Weather Disruptions: Changes in ocean temperatures and currents impact global weather patterns.
  • Human Impact: Changing fish patterns threaten fisheries and food security. Coastal communities face flooding and saltwater intrusion.
  • Wildlife Displacement: Arctic species like polar bears are losing their habitat, leading to possible extinction.

Positive Effects (Short-Term):

  • New Resources: Access to untapped geothermal energy sources. Availability of new water and land for agriculture.
  • Shipping Opportunities: Shorter routes through the Arctic improve global trade efficiency.
  • Biodiversity Opportunities: New ecosystems may develop in formerly ice-covered areas.

Key Strategies for Glacier Preservation

  • Global Awareness: Conducting educational campaigns involving youth and global leaders. Coordinating efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.
  • International Conferences: Events like the 2025 Tajikistan Conference and International Water Conference will discuss solutions.
  • Capacity Building: Training for local communities and policymakers on glacier conservation.
  • Research and Monitoring: Enhancing glacier data collection and utilizing indigenous knowledge.
  • Policy Integration: Incorporating glacier conservation into climate and water management policies.
  • Funding Support: Encouraging investments from governments and private sectors for glacier preservation initiatives.

Conclusion

Preserving glaciers is crucial to sustaining Earth’s water resources, climate balance, and ecosystems. Addressing climate change through coordinated global efforts is essential to ensure their survival for future generations.

Mains Question:

  1. “Glaciers are vital for Earth’s water supply, climate regulation, and ecosystems. Discuss the causes, impacts, and measures needed to address the rapid melting of glaciers.” (150 WORDS)

Details

Date:
January 20
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
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