Berkurangnya Volume Gletser Akibat Pemanasan Global

Summary

Climate change and global warming are causing the rapid melting of glaciers, including those in the Himalayas. These glaciers are projected to lose up to 75% of their volume by the end of the 21st century. The temperature rise of 1.5 to 2°C above pre-industrial levels could cause a 30-50% volume loss by 2100. This poses significant risks to the 240 million people in the Himalayan region who rely on glaciers for water and agriculture. Additionally, glacier melt increases the danger of floods, as thawed water from glaciers could overwhelm mountain valleys.

Takeaways

• 😀 Climate change and global warming are causing the melting of glaciers, including the Himalayas.
• 🌍 The largest glaciers outside of the polar regions may lose up to 75% of their volume by the end of the 21st century due to global warming.
• 📉 A temperature rise of 1.5 to 2°C above pre-industrial levels could result in the Himalayas losing 30-50% of their glacier volume by 2100.
• 💧 The potential loss of glacier volume could lead to flooding and water shortages for 240 million people in the Himalayan region.
• 🌾 Many people in the Himalayan region depend on agriculture and rely on glacier meltwater and snowmelt for irrigation.
• ❄️ Snowfall timing has changed, with less snow accumulating than usual, affecting the water supply for agriculture.
• 🚨 The melting glaciers pose a risk of flood events, as glacial lakes could overflow, sending water cascading down the mountain valleys.
• 🏞️ Shallow lakes usually hold rainwater, but with melting glaciers, these lakes could burst, leading to floods in lower areas.
• 🛑 The changes in glacier behavior are causing disruptions in the region's ecosystem and infrastructure.
• 🌡️ The ongoing rise in global temperatures continues to accelerate the processes of glacier loss and environmental changes in mountainous regions.

Q & A

What impact does climate change and global warming have on glaciers, specifically in the Himalayas?

Climate change and global warming lead to the melting of glaciers, including those in the Himalayas. The warming temperatures cause glaciers to lose volume, which has significant consequences for water availability and the environment in the region.

What is the estimated loss of volume for the Himalayas' glaciers by the end of the 21st century?

Experts predict that the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, including those in the Himalayas, could lose up to 75% of their volume by the end of the 21st century due to global warming.

What is the temperature increase forecasted for the Himalayas based on integrated mountain development scenarios?

The temperature in the Himalayas is expected to increase by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, according to integrated mountain development models.

How will the warming temperatures affect the volume of glaciers in the Himalayas by 2100?

The warming temperatures could lead to the loss of 30 to 50% of the glacier volume in the Himalayas by 2100, significantly affecting water resources in the region.

How many people are at risk from potential water shortages due to glacier melt in the Himalayas?

Approximately 240 million people living in the Himalayan mountain regions could face water shortages due to the loss of glacier volume and the altered timing and amount of snowmelt.

Why is the timing of snowfall important for the people living in the Himalayan regions?

The timing of snowfall is crucial because many people in the region rely on meltwater from glaciers and snow for irrigation in agriculture. Any changes in snowfall patterns, such as delayed or reduced snowfall, can severely disrupt their water supply.

What is the risk associated with the melting glaciers regarding floods?

As glaciers melt, the water is often stored in shallow lakes, which are held back by debris and rocks. If the glaciers continue to melt, these lakes could overflow, potentially causing flash floods in the valleys below, posing risks to the communities living there.

How do the Himalayas' glaciers affect agriculture in the region?

Agriculture in the Himalayan region heavily depends on the seasonal meltwater from glaciers and snow, which provides essential irrigation. If the glaciers continue to shrink or melt at unpredictable rates, it will impact agricultural productivity and food security.

What role do the glaciers play in sustaining the local ecosystems of the Himalayas?

Glaciers act as a vital water source for the local ecosystems. As they melt, the water nourishes rivers, lakes, and agriculture, supporting both wildlife and human populations in the region.

What can be done to mitigate the impacts of glacier melt in the Himalayas?

Mitigating the impacts of glacier melt in the Himalayas involves reducing global carbon emissions to slow down the effects of climate change, along with implementing sustainable water management practices to help communities adapt to changing water availability.