The ongoing pandemic has caused disruptions in human movement, which has led to growing concern about the impact of global warming on Himalayan mountain glaciers. The melting of these glaciers is a significant threat to the world’s water supply as they are the source of ten major rivers in Asia, providing water for about half of the annual needs of four billion people.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and controlling air pollution is crucial to slow down the rate of snow loss. The Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are key to preserving glaciers and the snow that feeds them. Research by Indian, German, and British scientists published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that reducing soot levels to those seen during the pandemic could slow snowmelt in the Himalayas by up to half.
During the pandemic lockdown in South Asia, air purity improved due to reduced transport of soot across the Himalayas, leading to lighter snowpacks that absorbed less heat. This helped preserve snow during the spring and slowed the rate of melting. Protecting snow cover is essential for preserving glaciers as it helps slow down melting process and formation of new ice. Therefore, efforts should be made towards improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions to preserve these vital resources for future generations.
In conclusion, while we may have achieved some progress in reducing air pollution during the pandemic lockdown, more needs to be done to control carbon dioxide emissions and protect our planet’s natural resources such as glaciers. Failure to take action now could result in irreversible damage to our environment and impact our ability to sustain life on Earth in the long run.