Slowing Down Snow Loss in the Himalayas: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Urgent Need for Carbon Reduction

The global pandemic has brought attention to the impact of restricted movement on people’s passions. As a result, there is growing concern about the threat of global warming on Himalayan mountain glaciers. Unless carbon dioxide emissions are controlled, these glaciers could completely melt in this century. Even if the climate warms below 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 crucial for preserving glaciers and the snow that feeds them. They are the source of ten major rivers in Asia, providing water for about half of the annual needs of four billion people. Reducing air pollution, particularly black carbon or soot, could slow down the rate of snow loss significantly.

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. During South Asia’s pandemic lockdown, transportation was reduced, leading to lighter and less heat-absorbent snow surfaces. This reduced soot buildup helped preserve snow during spring and slowed down melting rates. Protecting snow cover is crucial for glacier preservation as it helps in slow melting and new ice formation processes.

In conclusion, reducing carbon dioxide emissions is necessary to prevent complete melting of Himalayan mountain glaciers this century even if climate warms below 1.5 degrees Celsius.