New Delhi. Glaciers worldwide are rapidly melting due to global warming. Due to this, there can be a big challenge before humanity. Millions of people may be beset with the problem of floods. May be vulnerable to drought. There may be shortage of drinking water.
Largest sources of clean water
If the glaciers around the world are merged, then they are shaped like the continent of South America. These are the largest reserves of clean water today. The melting began after 1850, but the process has experienced an unprecedented boom in recent decades.
Rising temperature
The way global temperature rise is being assessed for the next century, it is expected that their rate of melting will be faster. By the end of the 21st century, the average global temperature may increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius. It is also estimated that if the average temperature of the world rises by four percent, the earth may be devoid of glaciers.
Nature at risk
Royal Bengal Tiger: This protected species of the world will lose a large part of its largest habitat Sundarbans if sea level rises.
Kitlitz Murallet: The rarer this bird is, the more interesting its story is. It is the only bird species that hunts in virtual clouds made of glacier water. Also it builds its nest on the highest snow of the glacier.
Coral Reef: If the sea level rises then these specific structures present in the sea may be lost. Due to the high level, it will not get the necessary energy from the sun.
Not good signs
Since 1960, about four thousand cubic km of water loss occurred from glaciers around the world. This is more than just the annual flow of the world’s major rivers Orinoco, Congo, Yangsi and Mississippi.
Sharp damage
Asia: Himalayan glaciers have been melting rapidly for the last thirty years. These glaciers in Bhutan are receding at a rate of about 30–40 m annually. In Kazakhstan, snow has been melting from glaciers at the rate of two sq km per year since 1955. Since 1977, the glaciers of the Ak-Shirak range in Kyrgyzstan have lost a quarter of their area. China’s glaciers are also rapidly melting.
Source of life
When we look at our planet from space, we see an aquatic planet, but most of the water here is saline which is not fit for humans to drink. Only 2.5 percent of the total water on the earth is clean and less than one hundredth of one percent is potable water which is recharged every year by rain.
Water shortage – 70 percent of the earth’s clean water is stored in glaciers, which is like an elixir to save human civilization in adverse conditions. The glaciers in tropical areas melt throughout the year and meet all the requirements by making the rivers Sadanira.
Seven major rivers of Asia originate from the Himalayan glaciers. Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, Yangsi and Huwang Hee. These rivers cater to the water needs of two billion people throughout the year. Estimate that if the water from the glacier does not melt in the Ganges, the flow of life will decrease by two-thirds during July to September. Five crore people of the country will have to struggle with water scarcity and 37 percent of the land will be removed from the land being irrigated area.
Solution formula
Now the fact has been established that the emission of carbon and green house gases from anthropogenic activities is increasing the problem of global warming. This adverse weather condition is melting our glaciers prematurely and at a rapid pace, resulting in avalanche-like incidents that come before us as Chamoli disaster. To avoid this, the whole world will have to unite and rapidly implement all the treaties and measures set on global forums.
Paris Climate Treaty must be effectively implemented and achieve its goals of carbon emission reductions
When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are used, carbon dioxide is emitted the most. Coal emits 70 percent more than gas. Electricity is the largest contributor to anthropogenic carbon emissions. 37 percent of emissions in the world are done under this item. The world’s energy sector needs carbon dioxide release. It should start with industrialized countries first. Later to be implemented in poor and developing countries with technical and economic support.
Governments may come up with a plan to discourage emission-enhancing enterprises. Investment in green technology can be facilitated.
People should also be made aware of the ill effects of global warming. The common people will prove to be the greatest warriors of the battle. If once they become aware that an event like Chamoli is no longer allowed to happen, then they will reduce the emission processes in their ethics, thoughts and behavior. They will definitely bring changes in their thinking, culture and lifestyle.
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