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Impact of Climate Change on Himalayan Glaciers and Glacial Lakes: Case Studies on GLOF and Associated Hazards in Nepal and Bhutan

The Himalayas have the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar region. These glaciers are a freshwater reserve; they provide the headwaters for nine major river systems in Asia – a lifeline for almost one-third of humanity. There is clear evidence that Himalayan glaciers have been melting at an unprecedented rate in recent decades; this trend causes major changes in freshwater flow regimes and is likely to have a dramatic impact on drinking water supplies, biodiversity, hydropower, industry, agriculture and others, with far-reaching implications for the people of the region and the earth’s environment. One result of glacial retreat has been an increase in the number and size of glacial lakes forming at the new terminal ends behind the exposed end moraines. These in turn give rise to an increase in the potential threat of glacial lake outburst floods occurring. Such disasters often cross boundaries; the water from a lake in one country threatens the lives and properties of people in another. Regional cooperation is needed to formulate a coordinated strategy to deal effectively both with the risk of outburst floods and with water management issues.