Rising Calamities

The region's unique landscape, combined with its youthful geology, makes it susceptible to various disasters such as landslides, glacial lake outburst floods, and loss of biodiversity. According to the ICIMOD report on the Hindukush Himalayan region, the area's increasing height adds to its vulnerability. Coupled with human activities, the region's fragility is exacerbated.

The report "Exploring Futures of the Hindu Kush Himalaya" warns of a bleak future where climate change amplifies extreme weather events—causing water shortages and excesses at different times. This insight, though penned in 2019, is manifesting in reality. The authors warn that water scarcity will drive migration, leaving the impoverished behind and leading to increased mortality and urbanization.

George Davis, a tropical medicine expert, remarks:

> "When it comes to environmental change, the implementation of the Three Gorges Dam and Reservoir is the granddaddy of all changes."

The recent glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim, attributed to dam construction in the Teesta River basin, underscores how any alteration in the region can trigger widespread consequences. Climate change has led to temperature extremes over the past sixty years, with cold events diminishing while warmer ones surge. As reported by ICIMOD, even a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius globally could result in an alarming 1.8 degrees Celsius increase in the Hindukush Himalayas. Most predictions suggest that this threshold will soon be breached.

The lack of a unified conservation policy for the Himalayan ecosystem is a significant concern. Diverse agendas and ideologies hinder progress, underscoring the urgent need for coherent conservation strategies before it's too late.

Regional Impacts

The retreating glaciers and rising urbanization are harming both the environment and local communities. Technological advancements in the Himalayas have disrupted traditional lifestyles and rapidly depleted resources. The lush forests of the Hindukush are suffering due to inadequate governance and lack of coordination among the neighboring countries, especially as conflicts arise among India, China, and Pakistan, who are pursuing unsustainable infrastructure projects.

Historical disasters in the region have eroded cultures, prompted climate-induced migrations, and caused widespread suffering. The looming threat of earthquakes adds to the concerns about sustainability and habitation in the area.

Irreparable Loss

As glaciers continue to shrink, scientists and activists worldwide are alarmed by the potential ramifications on surrounding environments. China and India, the primary geological players in the region, have established numerous hydropower projects, with visible adverse effects already surfacing. Reports indicate potential GDP losses by 2030 due to flooding, droughts, and disruptions in hydropower, alongside annual human casualties.

The United States is grappling with its own water crisis, as exemplified by the Panama Canal's unintended consequences. These developments reflect a broader trend of resource depletion, with South Asia's reckless exploitation of Himalayan ecosystems making it a prominent player in this troubling narrative.

The trajectory of development may incur costs that surpass expectations, impacting talent migration, climate stability, and water scarcity—threatening global positions.

Jason Gulley, a Karst Hydrogeologist, notes:

> "The debris-covered areas of the glaciers (in the Mount Everest region) are dead and no longer flowing."

This alarming trend suggests that its repercussions will resonate worldwide. The rise of “last chance tourism,” as seen in Iceland, may soon extend to the Himalayas as well. Tourism both contributes to and suffers from the region's challenges, particularly affecting Indian towns like Shimla, Dharmshala, Mussoorie, and Nainital.

Recent disasters have led to the destruction of villages, forced migrations, deforestation, and wildlife loss. The collective outcry against these issues underscores the urgent need for action.

The delicate mountains of the Hindukush require sustainable, community-driven development. Yet, the construction of dams, highways, and markets only delays inevitable disasters, compounding future crises.

What Lies Ahead?

Discussions surrounding degradation, disasters, and cultural loss can feel endless, but it is imperative to seek solutions. The fragile ecology of the Hindukush Himalayas necessitates a united effort, highlighting its status as a global concern. Preserving this region could provide a sustainable framework applicable to other vulnerable areas.

The ICIMOD report outlines nine priorities that should guide policy targeting the region:

1. Alleviating poverty across the board.
2. Embracing sustainable nutritional security.
3. Promoting gender equity.
4. Ensuring year-round water availability.
5. Guaranteeing universal access to clean energy.
6. Halting land degradation and biodiversity loss.
7. Developing disaster-resistant and climate-adaptive policies.
8. Fostering resilient, equitable, and inclusive communities.
9. Establishing a mountain-specific agenda for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The mountains have long been exploited, and any initiative to restore them will require a sustained and collaborative approach. However, with unity and joint efforts, we can mitigate the rate of this crisis.

Perhaps we can fully or partially overcome this challenge. Our relentless pursuit of more often blinds us to nature's suffering until a catastrophic event jolts us into despair.

While not everyone may understand the deep emotional and cultural ties to these mountainous regions, this narrative goes beyond mere climate change warnings. It embodies a living cultural heritage—a history that binds people across borders and must be preserved.

To Hopes and Sunshines

Jaisika