Protecting Glaciers in the Himalayas: The Impact of Air Pollution and the Importance of Reducing Carbon Emissions

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. However, with the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, there is a growing concern about the threat of global warming on these glaciers. If carbon dioxide emissions are not controlled, there is a risk of complete melting of these glaciers in this century. Even if the climate warms below one and a half degrees, a third of the glaciers could still disappear, with melting continuing at some pace due to the long-lasting effects of carbon dioxide in the air.

Reducing air pollution, particularly black carbon or soot, could significantly slow down the rate of snow loss in these regions. Research by Indian, German, and British scientists published in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics journal revealed that reducing soot levels to those observed during the pandemic lockdown could have a positive effect on slowing down snow melting in the Himalayas by up to half.

The cleanliness of the air during the pandemic lockdown in South Asia reduced transportation of soot over these mountains which led to lighter and less heat-absorbent snow surfaces. The reduced soot buildup helped preserve snow during spring and slowed down melting rate. Preservation of snow cover is crucial for glacier preservation as it helps in slow melting process formation new ice.

Therefore, it is imperative that we take immediate action to control our carbon footprint and reduce air pollution to prevent further damage to our precious natural resources such as glaciers.