Glacier melting increases flood risks and methane release

Global warming is rapidly transforming the world's glaciers, leading to increased risks of flooding and methane release. Research indicates that the accelerated melting of ice is creating new hazards in different geographic regions.

In the Indian Himalayas, specifically the Alaknanda basin, satellite data shows a 67% increase in the surface area of lakes larger than one hectare between 1994 and 2023. Fifty-seven new lakes have formed during this period, with some growing by over 260%, posing significant flood risks to nearby settlements like Badrinath.

Simultaneously, in the European Arctic, melting glaciers are releasing ancient methane trapped beneath the ice into the atmosphere through glacial rivers.

New projections from ETH Zurich suggest that up to half of the world's glaciers could disappear by 2100. Using the 'Global Glacier Extinction Explorer' tool, researchers estimate that if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, approximately 50% of glaciers might survive. However, under a 4°C warming scenario, survival rates could drop below 10%, threatening global freshwater supplies.