The accelerating decline of alpine glaciers
The Alpine glaciers' formation is in a strong negative phase globally. Passu Glacier in Gojal Hunza is retreating rapidly. The Alpine glaciers and the continental ice sheets in the polar regions have been losing their mass unprecedentedly for the last couple of decades due to the severe impact of climate change and global warming. The glaciers in the mountain ranges of the Himalayan, Karakorum, and Hindu Kush region, which is often referred to as the third pole of the planet Earth, are undergoing geological changes by excessive melting, due to which the formation of glacial lakes, glacial lake outburst floods, soil deposition, rockfall, and land erosion are accelerating.
Conversely, the formation of glaciers has been halted due to persistently drought conditions in winter for the last two decades. Empirical studies noted that the formation of glaciers occurs when the accumulation of snow in winter exceeds the amount of snow and ice lost through melting and other processes like evaporation, as well as when snow exists in the same place year-round, followed by fresh snowfall to bury and compact the previous snow layers. Hence, it is the compression that presses the snow to crystallize in granular form, which eventually changes into dense glaciers over the period of time. However, if there is insufficient snowfall, especially in early winter from November to January, the process of compression does not occur, and glacier formation does not just cease, but loss of mass by melting and evaporation continues. Studies also noted that glaciers in the HKH ranges are losing their mass at an alarming rate, reaching around 30–50 percent faster than in the 1990s. Though region-specific studies revealed variation, the negative mass balance is accelerating as compared to the previous decades.
The summer of 2025 had a horrible climate change impact for the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan since temperature broke its previous records, and the persistent heat waves triggered GLOF events in vulnerable glaciated valleys. Cloudburst-induced flash floods wreaked havoc on rural settlements. Consequently, 41 people lost their lives and 52 were injured in different climate-induced disasters. In addition, 1,253 homes were demolished and hundreds of families were displaced; agricultural lands and crops were damaged; and vital infrastructure was obliterated in different valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. The homeless families affected by the devastating floods are still facing challenges and waiting desperately for shelters to protect themselves from the bone-chilling winter. Nature's fury has yet to haunt the dwellers in the coming years since the Pakistan Meteorological Department has further predicted below-normal snowfall/rainfall in this winter, while 26 percent above-normal rainfall has also been forecast for the upcoming monsoon season in 2026.
Zero percent glacier formation, while losing significant mass of ice, is posing an existential threat to the settlements downstream and to the entire country in particular, since Pakistan largely depends upon the Indus water for its agricultural lands, hydropower generation, industrial growth, and drinking purposes. It is the snow/glacier meltwater that contributes 60 to 80 percent water flow stability in the Indus River. Experts have cautioned that if the glaciers in the HKH region continue to melt at the current rate, the perennial flow of the water in the Indus River would convert into a seasonal river. Subsequently, it would be catastrophic for the almost two billion population in the entire region since all the major rivers originate from the glaciers/lakes located in the HKH mountain ranges.
Read: Pakistan’s melting glaciers signal a climate emergency beyond the mountains
The existing approach of nations worldwide, half-heartedly in a bid to protect glaciers from climate change impact, seems difficult due to the self-interest of giant corporate sectors/companies, especially in industrialized countries. Moreover, merely participating in conferences and meetings at national and international levels without proper homework and lacking political will can’t serve the purpose in its true spirit. Instead, realizing the grave concern of climate change as an existential threat with substantial actions aggressively under the Paris Agreements, Kyoto Protocol, Parties of Conferences (COPs), and other climate change-oriented forums can be effective in attaining the established target to a greater extent. Since the sole potential target is to reduce temperature below 1.5 pre-industrial revolution era. Therefore, switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like installing hydropower generation plants, windmills, going for solar energy, and electric vehicles will be significant steps in reducing greenhouse gas emission.
In addition, ensuring efficient utilization of energy resources at home and in commercial areas; reforestation and banning deforestation; and using the 3Rs formula like reducing, reusing, and recycling could conserve resources and minimize wastes. Furthermore, developing sustainable decisions like driving less; using public transport and electrification of transport; switching to energy-efficient appliances; being conscious of our consumption habits; and spreading maximum awareness to control pollution.
Moreover, short-term, localized steps like limiting glaciers' exposure to heat by developing sustainable tourism; eco-friendly lodges and visitor centers; and lessening disturbances to fragile glacier-front ecosystems. Furthermore, creating artificial ice stupa/tower; smart water management strategies; and constructing climate-resilient infrastructure would also alleviate fast melting. Finally, advocating authentic policies and regulations framed by government institutions and NGOs would also be beneficial in reducing the elements of climate change and global warming. It is not merely the action that speaks louder than words, but it is the consistent actions with the right direction that could produce the desired outcomes regarding mitigation of emissions to preserve alpine glaciers.