The glacial floods are a harsh reminder that unchecked climate change is a repeat threat to lives and livelihoods across multiple countries and communities in the sub region. The 2021 UNFCCC report noted that the Himalayan region will continue to be at high risk from glacial melt, even if we maintain the average temperature rise at 1.5 degree Celsius
As the airplane climbs through the monsoon clouds and away from Kathmandu, Nepal, the view to the north is simply breathtaking. The enormity and magnificence of nature's show across the serrated peaks of the Himalayas is hard to describe.
But amidst the pristine, resplendent peaks lies the treacherous prospect of potential disaster brought on by rapidly melting glacial lakes.
Further east, along the ridges, in the Everest region of Nepal, lies Lake Imja.
Nestled at an altitude of 5,010 metres, this glacial lake is framed by the towering guardian that is Mount Everest, and amidst this splendor, presents a current-day climate conundrum of significant proportions.
The lake was formed by, and continues to be, the water catchment for the roughly 2000-year-old ice that is melting on this legendary mountain. The glaciers, preciously guarded by Mt Everest for thousands of years, are now melting fast. Its highest glacier has already lost half its mass since 1990 and may disappear entirely by mid-century. This fast-melting ice can 'burst' quite suddenly, posing a clear and present danger to communities in its vicinity.
In 2016, the lake was successfully drained to reduce the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF).So, while Lake Imja may no longer be a danger, several other glacial lakes in the region pose an immediate risk from GLOFs, and decisive action is needed to safeguard those living in their wake.
In a 2020 report, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) noted that rapidly melting glaciers in the Himalayas were causing new lakes to form. Water levels in at least 47 large glacial lakes located in the Himalayas were already at dangerously high levels and filling up at a faster rate than previously calculated.
These lakes could burst anytime.
Countries in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region have already witnessed tragedy with GLOF events.
In 2020, in India, the Chamoli flood triggered a massive flash flood that took the lives of over 200 people living downstream and caused millions of dollars in economic and property loss, including substantial damage to land and hydropower plants.
Here in Nepal, in 2021, a flash flood swept away houses and infrastructure in Manang, causing a loss of over US$1 million that day. Poor communities cannot carry or recover from such costs and loss.
Downstream communities live in a state of constant disquiet, in anticipatory anxiety of what may come.
In May this year, Hunja in Pakistan witnessed a devastating flood when the Shisper Glacial Lake broke its bounds, and damaged hydropower infrastructure, bridges and roads.
These glacial floods are a harsh reminder that unchecked climate change is a repeat threat to lives and livelihoods across multiple countries and communities in the sub region. The 2021 UNFCCC report noted that the Himalayan region will continue to be at high risk from glacial melt, even if we maintain the average temperature rise at 1.5 degree Celsius. The consequences on this part of the world is dire if actions are not taken to move beyond the incremental.
Seeing all this from Nepal, the Arun River Basin, for example, is the site for new investments of over $10 billion planned for hydropower alone, to bring electricity and economic opportunity to those without adequate energy access.
This potential can be taken out by a single transboundary GLOF event. It is clear that a different approach is needed. One that returns the guardianship of glaciers to the mountains, by protecting the mountains themselves.
Addressing these challenges requires transboundary cooperation among the countries sharing the same rivers and river basins. In the case of the Himalayas, comprehensive transboundary cooperation would need to cover the entire Ganges River basin, involving China, Nepal, Bangladesh and India. Cooperation translates into a tough reality check of sharing climate data and technology; climate security and risk sensitivity planning; and cross border financing and insurance for flood resistant infrastructure and coverage of loss and damage. Not easy areas to build trust for deeper collaboration.
The sourcing of funds will also need to be multiple - from federal and local public finance to engaging the private sector. There can be tempting incentives, as glacial lakes, if managed sustainably, offer opportunities for tourism and can generate income through new livelihoods.
Climate-proofing investments are in everyone's interests.
However, domestic finance will not be enough in all cases. Countries such as Nepal must be able to more easily access global climate finance to address these climate vulnerabilities, and put in place the requisite policies, infrastructure and well capacitated and resourced institutions to lead these efforts.
UNDP has introduced an Insurance and Risk Finance Facility, which focuses on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and V20 climate-vulnerable countries.
This offer is available to countries such as Nepal, to better manage climate vulnerabilities and access climate finance, as they graduate from current LDC status. Together with climate adaptation and mitigation portfolios, it hopes to support some consistency and direction of action during these unsettled times.
It will take both a local and global makeover. The UN and UNDP's voice on global and regional transformative action and cooperation required for accelerated decarbonisation pathways must be undiminished and unapologetic, if we are to protect the guardians of glaciers in this region. Just like the Mighty Everest, it will take the world to rise up and act in the best interest of its whole self.
Wignaraja is UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific
A version of this article appears in the print on June 10, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
