A new UN report highlights a looming global crisis caused by the rapid melting of glaciers, which could impact the lives of up to two billion people. The report indicates that climate change is the primary driver of unprecedented glacier loss, with significant deterioration observed from the Himalayas to the Andes. In regions like East Africa and the Tropical Andes, glaciers have shrunk considerably, with some areas losing as much as 80% of their glacier mass since 1998.
The phenomenon, referred to as the “Great Glacier Meltdown,” indicates that if current warming trends continue, half of the world’s glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. This situation threatens water supplies for two-thirds of all irrigated agriculture globally, exacerbating food insecurity for over a billion people, particularly in mountainous and developing regions where agriculture relies heavily on meltwater.
Moreover, the report warns of increased natural disasters, including avalanches and sudden floods, as glacial water levels become unstable. It emphasizes the critical role of mountains in providing fresh water to billions and calls for innovative actions across various levels to address this climate crisis. The UN argues that it’s essential to protect these vital ecosystems for both current and future generations.
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