Yala Glacier in Nepal Expected to Disappear by the 2040s Due to Climate Change

Yala Glacier, located in Nepal's Langtang National Park, has become a key subject of glaciological research due to its significant retreat in recent decades. Current projections suggest that the glacier could disappear by the 2040s, highlighting the severe impacts of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers.

Historical Retreat and Current Status

• Retreat Data: From 1974 to 2021, Yala Glacier shrank by 680 meters, representing a 36% reduction in its size. Its elevation also dropped from 5,170 meters to 5,750 meters by 2011.
• Scientific Importance: Yala is the only Himalayan glacier listed in the Global Glacier Casualty List, which identifies glaciers that are critically endangered or already extinct. This list was introduced in 2024.
   

Consequences of Glacier Loss

• Water Supply: Glaciers are essential sources of freshwater for millions of people. The Hindu Kush Himalaya region, which is warming twice as fast as the global average, faces a growing threat to the water security of around 240 million individuals.
• GLOF Risk: Rapid melting of glaciers leads to the formation of unstable glacial lakes, which can overflow and cause catastrophic floods downstream.
   

Global and Regional Efforts

• Global Actions: The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to raise awareness about the importance of glaciers. Additionally, March 21 will be recognized annually as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.
• Regional Responses: India has launched the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem and set up the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to monitor glacier activities and issue GLOF alerts.