Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Climate Change
Source: The Hindu, The Times of India

The Issue

The cryosphere in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, known as the “Third Pole”, is rapidly shrinking. Recent findings reveal a 23.6 % drop in winter snow persistence during 2024-25. Independent assessments warn that if global warming reaches 2 °C, only 25 % of the region’s glacier ice may remain, posing grave risks to nearly two billion people who depend on its melt-water.

What Is the Cryosphere & Its Role

The cryosphere comprises all frozen water components: glaciers, snow cover, ice caps, permafrost.

• In high-mountain systems it acts as a natural reservoir, releasing melt-water in warmer months to feed rivers, aquifers and hydropower.
  
• It helps regulate climate by reflecting sunlight (high albedo) and stabilising regional weather systems.
  

Key Challenges & Potential Solutions

Way Ahead: Link India’s Himalayan ecosystem mission with updated hydrology- and cryosphere-based climate policies; scale climate-smart agriculture and hydropower resilience; pursue Science-for-Himalaya innovation.

One-line Wrap: Shrinking Himalayan ice and snow threaten vital water systems—urgent adaptation and cryosphere science are key to safeguarding the Third Pole and downstream populations.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to the cryosphere in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Seasonal snow and glaciers form a major source of freshwater for South Asia’s large rivers.
   
2. The cryosphere’s main role is to absorb carbon dioxide through ice-based ecosystems.
   
3. Glacier-lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a significant hazard in high-mountain regions.
   

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)