Glaciers melting at faster rate due to rising temperatures: Expert

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organised a one-day seminar to raise awareness about the accelerating retreat of glaciers worldwide on the eve of the first World Day for Glaciers.

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The seminar — Melting Himalayan Cryosphere and Its Implications — was held in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Glacial Studies, University of Kashmir, Kashmir chapters of the Indian Meteorological Society and the Indian Society of Geomatics.

A statement issued by the university said the event, coordinated by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation aimed to raise awareness about cascading effects of retreat of glaciers on water, energy and food security.

The seminar brought together leading scientists, researchers, policymakers and academicians to discuss the critical state of the Himalayan cryosphere under the changing climate conditions.

The event featured keynote addresses by eminent experts, including Shakil A Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST.

Addressing the gathering, Romshoo emphasised the urgent need for scientific research, policy interventions and community engagement to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on snow and glaciers.

He highlighted that the Himalayan glaciers, a crucial source of freshwater for millions, were melting at an accelerated pace due to rising temperatures and black carbon deposition, posing significant threats to water security, agriculture and posing a disaster risk in the region.

Anil V Kulkarni, a distinguished scientist at the Divecha Centre for Climate Change, IISc, Bengaluru, elaborated on scientific insights into climate change and its impacts on melting of snow. He stressed the importance of national and international collaborations to preserve and monitor the rapidly depleting cryosphere.

He highlighted the vulnerabilities of mountain regions associated with climate change, particularly in high-altitude communities that depend on glacier-fed resources for agriculture, energy, water and daily sustenance.