Glaciers, ice caps, and continental ice sheets cover about 10% of the earth's land surface today, but they covered roughly three times that amount during the ice ages. The current ice cover accounts for roughly three-quarters of the world's total freshwater resources. Deglaciation is the gradual melting of a glacier from the surface of a landmass. Ablation refers to the processes that remove snow, ice, and moraine from a glacier or ice sheet. Melting, evaporation, erosion, and calving are all examples of natural processes. The process of deglaciation, which accelerated in the twentieth century, is rendering our planet ice-free. In this article, we will discuss Receding Glaciers - A symptom of Global Climate Change which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Causes of Glacial Melting

• Global warming: The concentration of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere caused by industry, transportation, deforestation, and the use of fossil fuels, among other human activities, warms the planet and melts glaciers.
• Ocean warming: Because the oceans absorb 90% of the Earth's heat, it affects the melting of marine glaciers, which are mostly found near the poles.
• Deforestation: There is an increase in the release of carbon dioxide while less of it is absorbed by trees because their numbers are constantly decreasing due to deforestation. As a result, it hastens global warming and sea-level rise.
• Rapid industrialisation: Many glaciers around the world have been rapidly melting since the early 1900s.
  • In particular, since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised temperatures, even higher in the poles, and as a result, glaciers are rapidly melting, calving off into the sea and retreating on land.

Impact of Glacial Retreat

• The retreat of glaciers in the Andes and Himalayas may have an effect on water supplies.
• Climate change can cause changes in both temperature and snowfall, causing changes in glacier mass balance.
• Large glaciated regions are supported by the Himalayas and other central Asian mountain chains. Dry countries such as Mongolia, western China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan rely on these glaciers for critical water supplies. The loss of these glaciers would have a huge impact on the region's ecosystem.
• Leading scientists predict that global warming will pose a serious threat to the national and global economies, as well as the environment.
• The poor and low-lying countries will struggle to cope with the consequences of climate change and sea-level rise.

Effects of Glacial Melting

• Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which increases coastal erosion and storm surge as warming air and ocean temperatures produce more frequent and intense coastal storms such as hurricanes and typhoons.
  • The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, in particular, are the largest contributors to global sea level rise.
• Weather Patterns: Today, the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, and sea ice is melting at a rate of more than 10% every ten years.
  • As this ice melts, darker patches of ocean begin to emerge, removing the effect that previously cooled the poles, resulting in warmer air temperatures and disrupting normal ocean circulation patterns.
  • The current glacial melt in Antarctica and Greenland is altering the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean and has been linked to the collapse of fisheries in the Gulf of Maine as well as more destructive storms and hurricanes around the world.
• Humans and Wildlife: Industries that rely on healthy fisheries will suffer as warmer waters alter where and when fish spawn.
  • As flooding becomes more common and storms become more intense, coastal communities will continue to face billion-dollar disaster recovery bills.
  • As sea ice melts in the Arctic, wildlife such as walruses lose their home, and polar bears spend more time on land, increasing conflict between humans and bears.
  • Cold runoff from glaciers affects downstream water temperatures as well. Many aquatic species require cold water temperatures to survive in mountainous environments.
  • Changes in stream habitat may also have an adverse effect on native trout and other keystone salmon species.
• Scarcity of Fresh Water: The loss of glaciers also means less water for the population to drink, less hydroelectric energy generation capacity, and less water available for irrigation.

Prevention of Glacial Melting

Be informed

• The extensive use of fossil fuels raises the level of thermal energy in the environment.
• Excessive use of coal and oil not only depletes these finite resources, but also has an annual impact on the man-made atmosphere.
• The sooner we become aware of it, the better our chances of educating others. As a result, it will be easier to change the climate and reduce glacier melting.

Individual Carbon Path

• It is critical to understand how individual contributions can influence climatic conditions.
• What we do every day can help to reduce carbon pollution, such as drive as little as possible (alternatives can be bycycle, carpool, jog, or walk), Use energy-saving bulbs, While brushing your teeth, turn off the water, When not in use, turn off lights, etc.
• When done on a large scale, these seemingly insignificant details have a significant impact.
• In the long run, they contribute to reducing individual carbon paths and preventing glaciers from melting.

Renewable Infrastructure Development

• It is critical to encourage the development of recently modern renewable energy infrastructure.
• We must ensure that we make the necessary changes that will result in the elimination or reduction of fossil fuel subsidies, thereby advancing renewable energies.
• Anyone with the necessary resources should invest in solar panels.

Reducing Black Carbon Emission

• It may be difficult to dispose of carbon dioxide from the energy cycle in developing countries. However, reducing black carbon emissions has become easier.
• This can be accomplished by upgrading diesel filters in automobiles, reducing deforestation, and replacing biomass-burning stoves with natural gas or solar energy.
• It contributes to the reduction of black carbon and the slowing of global warming, thereby preventing glacial melting.

Reduce Wastage of Water

• Water conservation reduces carbon pollution. This is due to the fact that it takes a significant amount of your energy to heat, pump, and treat your water.
• Water waste can be reduced by taking shorter showers and turning off the water while brushing your teeth.

Alternative Energy Sources

• Alternative energy sources are the most effective way to combat global warming.
• Solar panels contain solar cells that collect heat from the sun and convert it to energy.
• Wind turbines are also machines that use wind energy to generate electricity.
• Geothermal energy also uses heat from within the earth.
• Biofuels like ethanol can be produced in your area by combining and fermenting vegetable, grain, and fruit waste.
• Ethanol can be used to make biodiesel fuel, which is a clean-burning fuel for diesel engines.
• Electric vehicles are powered by batteries (derived from hydrogen fuel cells) rather than being entirely reliant on highly combustible engines.
• Wave and tidal power harness the great power of the sea by installing generators on the sea floor.

Afforestation

• Forests play an important role in reducing global warming. Forest degradation and destruction exacerbate the problem by releasing carbon dioxide. This, in turn, causes the glaciers to melt.
• Tree planting can help combat global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Planting new forests can help balance carbon dioxide levels by absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen through a process known as photosynthesis.

Recycling

• Recycling is thought to help the environment by emitting fewer greenhouse gases and releasing less carbon dioxide.
• Paper disposed of in landfills eventually decomposes, emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, recycling (which keeps trash out of landfills) helps to reduce these emissions and, as a result, global warming and glacial melting.

Energy Efficient Appliances

• Energy-efficient appliances have helped to keep approximately 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere. That is roughly the amount of carbon pollution produced each year by 440 million cars.
• Energy-efficient appliances could be the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions.
• When purchasing home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and automatic washers, look for the Energy Star label.

Melting of Himalayan Glaciers

• The Himalayan glaciers' seasonal flow provides various water services to an estimated 800 million people for purposes such as irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water.
• Glaciers are melting at an abnormally rapid rate, potentially leading to water scarcity. River overflow due to increased flow.
• To some extent, glacier melting influences the amount of snowfall. Water scarcity can result from the regular reduction in the amount of normal winter snowfall.
• Excessive thawing cannot tolerate melt water, including rainwater and groundwater, and is used to irrigate crops, ensuring future droughts.
• Groundwater regeneration and groundwater depletion are determined by the relationship between runoff and precipitation.
• Melting glaciers will disrupt the distribution of these massive populations.
• Flooding is expected as the Himalayan glaciers melt over the next few decades, followed by rapid retreat of the Ganges and Indus rivers, severe water shortages, and massive migrations causing invisible collisions.

Importance of Himalayan Glaciers

• The Himalayan snow deposits are the lifeblood of the rivers that flow from this mountain chain.
• It is critical to meet the water needs of millions of people in India and other Asian countries.
• Since ancient times, the Himalayan altitude and snow have protected India from outside invaders, acting as a defence barrier.
• They have created a large number of tourist attractions as a result of their scenic beauty.

Causes for Melting of Himalayan Glaciers

• Global warming is the most common cause of snow decay.
• It also cites rampant environmental pollution in the plains along the Himalayan hills as a contributing factor.
• Air pollutants, such as black soot (carbon) and dust, that make their way to glacial ice absorb heat from the sun and hasten snow melting.
• Human activities such as the use of fossil fuels, oil and gas drilling, deforestation, increased land use in mountain regions, and so on are causing the glaciers to melt faster.
• Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have caused temperatures to rise even in the poles.

Consequences of Melting of Himalayan Glaciers

• It has consequences for the global climate. In the summer, this region is a heat source, while in the winter, it is a heat sink.
• This, along with the Tibetan Plateau, has an impact on the Indian summer monsoon.
• As a result, any changes in this region would have an impact on the monsoon, which is already showing signs of changing spread and distribution.
• It has the potential to cause a slew of biophysical and socioeconomic consequences, including biodiversity loss, increased glacial melting, and less predictable water availability—all of which will have an impact on livelihoods and well-being in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH).
• Warming is already causing faster snow and glacier melting, resulting in the formation of glacial lakes.
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) are becoming more common, resulting in massive casualties and damage to local infrastructure.
• Glaciers in the HKH have been retreating faster, causing greater water flows in rivers. River runoff in the Tibetan Plateau has increased by 5.5%.
• In addition to their surface areas expanding, most lakes at high altitudes have reported a 0.2 m/year rise in water level.
• Human development, pollution, resource overexploitation, and climate change are all threatening biodiversity. For instance, urbanisation is increasing in many HKH countries.
• With the growing effects of climate change, as well as new infrastructure development, trade routes, and hydropower dams planned for the fragile region, the effects on biodiversity are expected to worsen.
• Along with species extinction, the region will lose key environmental services to the rest of Asia, such as water and carbon storage.
• With over 550 large projects in operation or construction, hydropower poses a significant threat. For example, dams and diversions on the Amu-Darya and Syr Darya rivers have almost completely stopped feeding the Aral Sea.
• Many of these areas are remote, and authorities have little control over border regions that are sometimes rife with conflict. Example: the Indo-Burma hotspot.

Conclusion

Glaciers act as giant mirrors, preventing global warming. They aid in the deflection of sunlight from the earth's surface and the regulation of the planet's temperature. The abnormal rate of global warming causes glaciers to melt quickly, reducing restoration. We should use alternative energy sources, invest in energy-efficient appliances, support infrastructure development, reduce our individual carbon footprints, build underwater walls, plant more trees, recycle, and increase our energy efficiency to prevent this melt and restore the glaciers.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary reason for the retreat of glaciers in recent decades?

A) Decreased snowfall
B) Increased solar activity
C) Rising global temperatures
D) Ocean acidification

2. What is the impact of glacier melting on sea levels?

A) Increase in sea levels
B) Decrease in sea levels
C) No change in sea levels
D) Sea levels rise temporarily

3. How do glaciers affect freshwater supply in many regions?

A) By providing consistent freshwater during dry periods
B) By evaporating water into the atmosphere
C) By reducing rainfall in the region
D) By increasing water salinity

4. What is one of the major ecological impacts of glacier retreat?

A) Increased biodiversity
B) Disruption of river ecosystems
C) Formation of new habitats
D) Increase in fish populations

5. What human activity has accelerated glacier retreat?

A) Urbanization
B) Deforestation
C) Greenhouse gas emissions
D) Space exploration

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of receding glaciers due to climate change. Discuss the implications for human populations, agriculture, and water resources.

Answer: Receding glaciers have significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Environmentally, the loss of glaciers leads to the disruption of ecosystems, particularly in regions where species rely on cold-water habitats. Socio-economically, glaciers serve as a critical water source for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water, especially in regions such as the Himalayas and Andes. As glaciers retreat, freshwater availability decreases, threatening agriculture and hydropower production. Rising sea levels due to glacier melt also pose risks to coastal communities, leading to displacement and increased vulnerability to climate events.

Q2: How does the retreat of glaciers contribute to global sea level rise? What are the long-term implications of this phenomenon for low-lying regions?

Answer: The retreat of glaciers contributes to global sea level rise as meltwater from glaciers flows into the oceans. This adds to the volume of water in the oceans, gradually raising sea levels. The long-term implications for low-lying regions include increased flooding, erosion, and the loss of land. This poses a particular threat to island nations and coastal cities, which are vulnerable to storm surges and higher tides. The retreat of glaciers also exacerbates other climate-related challenges, such as displacement of populations and damage to infrastructure.

Q3: Discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing the issue of glacier retreat and its effects on global climate systems. What measures can be taken at the global level to mitigate this phenomenon?

Answer: International cooperation is essential in addressing the issue of glacier retreat, as it is a global phenomenon driven by climate change. Countries must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement policies to slow global warming. Measures such as transitioning to renewable energy, adopting carbon pricing mechanisms, and strengthening international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement are crucial. Additionally, nations should collaborate on research and share data on glacier health and climate patterns. Addressing glacier retreat also requires supporting vulnerable regions through adaptation strategies, such as developing sustainable water management practices and investing in resilient infrastructure.

Previous Year Questions on Glacier Retreat and Climate Change

UPSC CSE 2020

Question: “Examine the impact of global climate change on glaciers, focusing on the environmental and socio-economic consequences of their retreat.”

Answer: This question asks for an examination of the effects of climate change on glaciers. The answer should highlight how rising temperatures lead to glacier retreat, impacting ecosystems, freshwater supply, and sea levels. It should also discuss the socio-economic consequences, particularly for regions dependent on glaciers for water resources.

UPSC CSE 2021

Question: “Discuss the implications of glacier retreat for water security and food production in South Asia.”

Answer: The retreat of glaciers in South Asia, particularly in the Himalayas, poses a serious threat to water security. These glaciers are vital sources of freshwater for millions of people. Their retreat reduces water availability during dry seasons, affecting agriculture and food production. The answer should focus on the potential impacts on farming, hydropower, and the overall economy in the region.