According to the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), the Humboldt (or La Corona) - Venezuela’s last standing glacier in the Andes, has shrunk to a size that no longer qualifies it as a glacier.
- Cryosphere includes snow and ice on land, ice caps, glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice.
A glacier is an accumulation of ice and snow that slowly flows over land.
- Glaciers are melting at a fast rate mainly due to global warming, warming of ocean water etc.
- Both Alpine (e.g. Hindu Kush Himalaya) and Ice sheets (e.g. Antarctica) have been impacted.
Impacts of Glacier Melting
- Sea Level Rise: As per NASA, if all glaciers and ice sheets melted, global sea level would rise by more than 60 meters.
- It will increase coastal erosion and elevate storm surge.
- Biodiversity Loss: Walrus are losing their home and polar bears are spending more time on land, causing higher rates of conflict between people and bears.
- Disasters: Frequency of Glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs) in regions like Himalayas will increase.
- Other: Reduction in water availability in rivers like Ganges, economic activities like fishing and navigation will be impacted etc.
Steps Taken to Protect Glaciers’Global
India
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