|
With glacier coverage of 33,000 km2, the region is aptly called the
"Water Tower of Asia" as it provides around 8.6 X 106 m3 of water annually
(Dyurgerov and Maier, 1997)
These
Himalayan glaciers feed seven of Asia's great rivers: the Ganga, Indus,
Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, YanGIZe and Huang Ho. It ensures a year round
water supply to millions of people.
Climate
change has impacted the glacial ecosystem tremendously. Sixty-seven percent
of glaciers are retreating at a startling rate in the Himalayas and the
major causal factor has been identified as climate change (Ageta and Kadota,
1992; Yamada et al., 1996; Fushinmi, 2000). Glacial melt will affect freshwater
flows with dramatic adverse effects on biodiversity, and people and livelihoods,
with a possible long-term implication on regional food security.
WWF
sees the impacts of climate change on glaciers and its subsequent impact
on freshwater as a major issue, not just in the national context but also
at a regional, transboundary level. The WWF offices in Nepal, India and
China are taking the initiative to develop a regional collaboration to
tackle climate change impacts in the glacial ecosystem and address adaptation
measures. This report is the outcome of a regional collaboration of the
three countries, providing an overview of climate impacts on glaciers with
a focus on key areas that needs future intervention.
We
hope this will highlight the issue of climate change and galvanize policy
makers to take action to ensure a living planet for future generations.
|
