Melting Glaciers Could Create 56,659 New Lakes, Threatening 15 Million People
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A multi-university study published in Nature Communications warns that melting glaciers could create over 56,000 new lakes, posing a severe risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) to 15 million people.
Background
Researchers from Uppsala, Carnegie Mellon, Lausanne, and Oslo universities mapped terrain beneath glaciers. The study estimates the creation of 56,659 new lakes covering a total area of 40,647 km², with High Mountain Asia identified as a high-risk zone.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentGLOFs: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods occur when glacial lakes burst due to ice avalanches or earthquakes.
- PlaceHigh Mountain Asia: A region encompassing the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Tian Shan ranges.
- FactThe study identifies 56,659 potential new lakes covering 40,647 km².
- S&TNature Communications: A peer-reviewed open-access journal covering all of science.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on the socio-economic stability of Himalayan nations and suggest mitigation strategies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Transboundary risk: GLOFs in High Mountain Asia create shared ecological and safety risks between India, Pakistan, and China.
- Data-policy gap: Lack of real-time monitoring and early warning systems in remote high-altitude regions hinders disaster preparedness.
Keywords: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods · High Mountain Asia · Climate Adaptation · Disaster Risk Reduction · Cryosphere Degradation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.