Yala glacier, one of Nepal’s most extensively studied glaciers, is expected to vanish by the 2040s.

• According to WMO and UNESCO, there are more than 275,000 glaciers worldwide.
  • It covers approximately 700,000 sq km and with ice sheets, storing about 70% of the global fresh water.

About Yala glacier

• Yala Glacier is situated in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal.
• Significance and Monitoring

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• • It is a key representative of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
  • Critical Status : It’s the only glacier in the Himalayas on the Global Glacier Casualty List.
  • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere.  

What is Glacier Retreat?

• Glacier retreat refers to the shrinking of glaciers in size and mass due to melting, evaporation, and other environmental factors.
• Retreat of Yala Glacier
  • The glacier has lost  36% of its total area during the period between 1974 and 2021
• Impact of Warming
  • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to the accelerated melting and retreat of glaciers in the region.
• Other Critically Endangered Glaciers
  • Pico Humboldt Glacier: Disappeared in Venezuela in 2024.
  • Sarenne Glacier: Disappeared in France in 2023.
  • Dagu Glacier: In China, expected to disappear by 2030.
  • Chinese Glacier Shrinkage: Chinese glaciers have shrunk by 12,442.4 sq km, losing 20.6% of their total area.

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Impacts of Melting Glaciers and Cryosphere

• Disruption of Ecosystems and Livelihoods
  • Glaciers and ice sheets store 70% of the world’s freshwater, essential for ecosystems and human survival.
  • 240 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalayas depend on glaciers for water and livelihoods.
• Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
  • Rapid melting creates unstable glacial lakes.
  • These lakes can breach, causing devastating floods in downstream areas.
• Climate Feedback Loop
  • Melting glaciers reduce the Earth’s albedo (reflectivity).
  • Less reflectivity increases heat absorption, accelerating global warming.

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