Call for urgent action on glacial melt, lake outburst

Experts stress urgency of securing climate finance to support preservation efforts

ISLAMABAD:

Experts have emphasised the pressing need for decisive and collaborative measures to tackle the challenges stemming from glacial melt and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Pakistan. Drawing attention to the alarming state of the country's glaciers and the subsequent risks faced by downstream communities, they outlined strategies to preserve glaciers and improve GLOF management.

Key recommendations included reducing human interventions, such as unchecked tourism, deforestation, and the construction of housing and recreational structures, which exacerbate glacial degradation.

The webinar was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) as part of the International Year of Glaciers Preservation (IYGP) initiative.

The experts emphasised the importance of expanding glacier monitoring networks through the deployment of advanced technologies, such as drones, satellite imagery, and automatic weather stations. These tools, they noted, are essential to track glacial changes in real time and inform evidence-based decision-making.

To safeguard ecosystems in glacier-fed regions, the experts advocated for large-scale afforestation projects aimed at stabilising fragile landscapes and regulating water flows. Such initiatives, they suggested, would not only mitigate environmental degradation but also contribute to climate resilience.

The reduction of black carbon emissions emerged as a priority, with the panel calling for stricter regulations on polluting industries and the promotion of clean energy alternatives in mountain communities. They noted that black carbon accelerates glacier melt by darkening ice surfaces and increasing heat absorption.

Strengthening community resilience was identified as another key pillar for sustainable adaptation. The panel recommended scaling up disaster preparedness programs and awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas to equip local populations with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate GLOF risks.