Alarming Glacier Loss in Arunachal Pradesh: Eastern Himalayas Losing Ice at Unprecedented Rate

A recent study reveals that Arunachal Pradesh has lost 110 glaciers over the past 32 years, covering an area of 309.85 sq km. The research, published in the Journal of Earth System Science, shows the number of glaciers decreased from 756 to 646 between 1988 and 2020. This rapid retreat exposes bedrock and creates glacial lakes, increasing the risk of dangerous Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The eastern Himalayas are warming faster than the global average, with temperatures rising by 0.1° to 0.8°C per decade. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced climate change mitigation efforts in the region.

 

Sources: Journal of Earth System Science, Nagaland University, Cotton University