How has the Melting of Mount Everest’s Glaciers affected Nearby Communities?
Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, serves not just as a symbol of natural beauty and wonder. The communities living in its vicinity value the mountain range as an eco-dependable resource that has, over the years, facilitated life upon generations.
However, the thick snow caps and icy glaciers of Mount Everest are melting rapidly due to climate change, putting the future of these communities at immense risk. This article intends to delve into the direct and indirect impact of Mount Everest’s melting glaciers on the neighbouring communities.
The Unveiling Crisis
The majestic snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest have, for decades, symbolised purity and tranquillity. However, beneath this serene facade lies a grim reality. Due to the effects of global warming and climate change on the Himalayan region, the white, snow-capped mountain is losing its glacier cover at an alarming rate.
Troublesome Water Access and Quality
One of the most immediate impacts of the melting glaciers on Mount Everest is the alteration of the region’s hydrology. As the melting accelerates, the once-predictable water flow from the glaciers into communities’ rivers and streams becomes erratic and extreme.
Many villages dependent on the glacial run-off for freshwater find themselves facing seasonal water scarcity. On the other hand, the sudden melting of vast swathes of glaciers can cause glacial lakes to overflow, leading to devastating flash floods, known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Threat to Agriculture and Livelihood
The increased water variability from melting glaciers negatively impacts agriculture, the core source of livelihood for most communities in the region. In an area where farming largely relies on manual irrigation, the unpredictability of water flow in rivers and streams can lead to crop failures and food insecurity.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Tourism represents a significant portion of the local economy for Mount Everest’s surrounding communities. However, the melting glaciers threaten this sector. Tourists are drawn to the beauty of the snow-covered peaks, and as the scenic beauty of the region is compromised, the number of visiting tourists may see a decline. Moreover, the increased likelihood of natural disasters poses safety risks.
Public Health Concerns
Beyond economic and environmental effects, the melting glaciers can have subtler, long-term impacts on public health. The destruction of infrastructure by floods cutting off access to basic public services like healthcare and sanitation, triggering outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health crises.
Way Forward
The melting glaciers of Mount Everest pose a formidable challenge to the resilience of nearby communities. Therefore, it becomes urgent to address the issue and consider climate adaptation strategies, including improved agriculture practice, investments in water management infrastructure, diversifying income sources, and community capacity building.
FAQs
1. How fast are Mount Everest’s glaciers melting?
According to a study conducted by the Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the glaciers on Mount Everest have shrunk by about 13% in the last 50 years due to climate change.
2. How does the melting of glaciers affect water supply?
Glaciers act as a natural reservoir, providing a steady supply of water. However, rapid melting creates water excess in the short term and leads to scarcity in the long run as the glaciers, the water source, are depleted.
3. How does the melting of glaciers impact the local economy?
A majority of the local economy in the Everest region is dependent on agriculture and tourism. The rapid melting of glaciers affects these sectors adversely by disrupting the water supply needed for crops and by making the region unsafe for tourism due to increased risks of floods and landslides.
4. What can be done to mitigate the effects of melting glaciers on local communities?
Adoption of climate adaptation strategies such as efficient water management, turning to drought-resistant crops, diversifying income sources, and community capacity building would be necessary to mitigate the adverse effects.
5. How does the melting of glaciers pose a threat to public health?
The destruction of infrastructure by floods can cut off communities from basic public services like healthcare and sanitation, triggering outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health crises. Furthermore, scarcity of fresh water can also affect the sanitation and hygiene of the communities.