Hope Amid Melting Glaciers

The pace of glacial melting has accelerated globally due to climate change. In Nepal, this has become an even more alarming concern. Every recent study has shown an increase in glacier melting in the Himalayan region. The risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), avalanches and flash floods are also rising. Such incidents in high-altitude regions have been affecting both major development infrastructure and the day to day lives of people in downstream areas. This is having a profound impact on the overall ecosystem, water security, and human life — and the challenge is only growing. A report published recently by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and UNDP states that 47 glacial lakes located across Nepal, India, and China are at risk of outburst. Among them, 25 are in China, 21 in Nepal and one in India. The report calls for preparedness and adaptation programs to mitigate the potential damage of future glacial lake outbursts. Amidst this challenge, a piece of good news has come for Nepal. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) announced a grant equivalent to five billion rupees to Nepal to help prevent the bursting of four glacial lakes and to protect communities from possible damages in case of such outbursts. The GCF’s 42nd Board Meeting held in Papua New Guinea approved this support. Including the GCF’s contribution and co-financing from the Government of Nepal, UNDP, and the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN), the total project value will be around seven billion rupees. The project will be implemented through UNDP, an accredited entity of the GCF.