World Heritage Glacier Report
Recently UNESCO and IUCN jointly released a report titled “World Heritage Glaciers: Sentinels of Climate Change {World Heritage Glaciers (WHG) Sentinels of climate change}”.
- This report outlines the glacial threats to 50 World Heritage Glacierized Sites (WHGSs).
- Along with this, some suggestions have also been provided for the conservation of these glaciers.
- Glaciers are slow moving ice bodies. They are formed by the accumulation of snow in cold places and the formation of solid crystals.
Highlights of this report
- World Heritage Glaciers (WHGs) have been melting rapidly since the year It has contributed about 5% of sea level rise globally.
- Glaciers will end in 1/3 of the WHGSs by the year Also, by the year 2100, about half of the WHGSs could be completely wiped out by glaciers.
- The rate of glacial melting will increase. As a result, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) can occur.
- GLOFs are events caused by the collapse/rupture of the embankments of glacial lakes. Due to this sudden and severe floods occur in the valleys located in the direction of the slope.
- Limiting global warming to 5 degrees Celsius could save 2/3 of the WHG.
Key Recommendations
- The lack of information related to WHGs should be detected and monitoring networks improved.
- Implementation of advance warning system and measures to reduce disaster risk should be put in place.
- An international fund should be created to support comprehensive glacial research and develop effective action measures.
Significance of glaciers
- Most important indicators for understanding climate change
- Source of important ecosystem services and high biodiversity
- Glaciers are present on about 10% of the Earth’s surface
- Holy place for many local communities
- The center of attraction for millions of tourists globally
- Provide vital water resources for nearly half the human population.
Source – The Hindu
