UPSC 2014 Mains GS1 Model Answer - Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.

Model Answer:

The Himalayan glaciers, vital to the ecological balance and water resources of the Indian subcontinent, are retreating rapidly due to climate change. This phenomenon is emblematic of broader environmental shifts impacting the region's climate, water security, and biodiversity.

Relationship Between Shrinking Himalayan Glaciers and Climate Change

1. Temperature Rise: Average temperatures in the Himalayan region have increased by about 1.5°C since the early 20th century. This warming accelerates glacier melt, reducing snow cover and altering hydrological cycles.
2. Glacial Retreat: Studies indicate that Himalayan glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate of 0.5 to 1.5 meters annually. The Gangotri Glacier, for instance, has shrunk by approximately 27% in the last 50 years, leading to decreased river flows.
3. Water Scarcity: The Himalayas serve as a crucial water source for rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus. As glaciers melt, initially, there may be increased water flow, but this is followed by long-term depletion, jeopardizing agricultural and drinking water supplies.
4. Increased Disasters: Climate change exacerbates natural disasters such as floods and landslides. The rapid melting of glaciers contributes to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing significant risks to communities downstream.
5. Biodiversity Loss: The changing climate alters habitats, threatening endemic species and disrupting ecosystems. Species such as the snow leopard face habitat loss, further endangering biodiversity.

‍The shrinking Himalayan glaciers are a stark indicator of climate change, with profound implications for water security, natural disasters, and biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent. Addressing climate change is critical for sustainable development in the region.

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