In the past 30 years, Nepal has experienced a decrease of approximately one third of its ice volume. The rate of melting for glaciers has increased by 65% in the last decade compared to the previous one.

The leader of the United Nations expressed concern about the collapse of the world’s rooftops, and cautioned that the total disappearance of glaciers is an even bigger threat.

“Ice reservoirs, such as the ones found in the Himalayas, provide fresh water for over a billion people. As these glaciers diminish in size, river flows are also affected,” he explained.

Communities erased forever

The Himalayan glaciers provide water for major rivers, support agriculture, livestock, and the economies of the region, which is inhabited by more than 1.8 billion people.

Unfortunately, due to increasing global temperatures caused by climate change, the glacial snow ice that has been compressed over hundreds of years is melting at an accelerated rate. This is not only happening in the Himalayas, but also in vital regions like Antarctica and Greenland.

Mr. Guterres cautioned that there is a potential for significantly decreased water levels in prominent Himalayan rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. This, coupled with the intrusion of saltwater, could severely impact delta regions.

He stated, “This is a disaster: Countries and communities that are close to sea level will be wiped out permanently.”

Transition away from using fossil fuels

The Secretary-General stated that his objective in the Everest region was to “shout from the highest point of the world.”

He stressed the importance of ending the use of fossil fuels in order to protect those who are directly impacted by the destructive effects of climate change. He urged for an end to the chaos.

“We need to take immediate action to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C in order to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. We cannot afford to delay,” he stated.

Tour of Nepal by government officials

The leader of the United Nations is currently visiting Nepal at the request of the government.

On Sunday, speaking to the media alongside Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mr. Guterres extended deep condolences to the families of the 10 Nepalese students killed in the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel on 7 October.

He repeated his plea for the safeguarding of innocent individuals in Gaza and emphasized the urgency of a humanitarian ceasefire. He also restated his request for the unconditional release of all captives and the distribution of consistent and adequate humanitarian aid to meet the needs of those living in Gaza.

Source: news.un.org