The Himalayan region is facing a deepening climate crisis, marked by accelerated glacier melt and increasing ecological vulnerability. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed this alarming situation at the 'Sagarmatha Sambaad' in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Friday, emphasizing the urgent need for regional cooperation to protect these vital ecosystems.

Yadav stated that the Himalayas are "sounding the alarm" due to the impacts of global warming caused by human activity. He warned that the retreating glaciers threaten the water security of downstream populations and endanger the livelihoods of mountain communities, who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. He stressed that India is already witnessing the severe impacts of climate change in the Himalayan region.

The minister called for collective action from all nations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adhering to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. He highlighted the disproportionately small contribution of South Asia to global carbon emissions compared to its large population, while noting that developed nations continue to consume a disproportionate share of the remaining carbon budget. He also criticized the failure of developed countries to fulfill their commitments regarding climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Yadav proposed several key actions to address the challenges in the Himalayan region:

• Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Strengthening research collaboration and monitoring changes in the cryosphere, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity.
• Building Climate Resilience: Investing in climate adaptation measures, early warning systems for disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Empowering Mountain Communities: Prioritizing the welfare, needs, and aspirations of local communities in policymaking and ensuring they benefit from green livelihoods and sustainable tourism.

Yadav also urged Himalayan nations to take the lead in conserving big cats under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an intergovernmental platform initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The minister's address coincided with the release of Nepal's nationally determined contribution 3.0 for the 2035 period by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Yadav emphasized that the future of mountain communities depends on the collective action of all nations. He cited India's efforts, including the National Mission to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem and the formulation of its first National Adaptation Plan.

A recent study published in the 'Journal of Glaciology' further underscores the urgency of the situation. The study revealed the rapid retreat of the Gepang Gath glacier in Himachal Pradesh and the dramatic expansion of its proglacial lake. Over the past six decades, the lake has grown nearly sixfold, and between 2014 and 2023, the glacier retreated 480 meters, resulting in significant ice loss. The study highlights a dangerous feedback loop where the growing lake accelerates the glacier's melting.