Himalayan Glaciers: The Battle Against Global Warming Starts with Reducing Soot Emissions

The melting of Himalayan mountain glaciers due to restricted movement has brought attention to the growing concern about the threat of global warming. If carbon dioxide emissions are not controlled, there is a risk that these glaciers will completely melt in this century. Even if the climate warms by only 1.5 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.

The Himalayas and Tibetan highlands are critical for preserving glaciers and the snow that feeds them as they are the source of ten major rivers in Asia. The snow melting in spring provides water for about half of the annual needs of four billion people. To slow down the rate of snow loss significantly, reduction in air pollution, particularly black carbon or soot, is necessary.

Research by Indian, German and British scientists published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics journal found that reducing soot levels to those observed during pandemic lockdown could positively impact slowing down snow melting in Himalayas by up to half. The cleanliness of air during pandemic lockdown reduced transportation of soot over Himalayas leading to lighter and less heat-absorbent snow surfaces which helped preserve snow during spring and slowed down melting rate. The protection of snow cover is crucial for glacier preservation as it helps in slow melting process and formation of new ice.