Tajikistan lost 1000 glaciers in 3 decades: Minister

Tajikistan lost 1000 glaciers in 3 decades: Minister

Sub : Geo

Sec : Climatology

Context:

• At the ongoing COP29 climate conference in Baku, Tajikistan’s Energy and Water Resources Minister, Daler Juma, highlighted the alarming disappearance of glaciers in Central Asia, raising concerns about the region’s water security.

Key Highlights:

• Rapid Glacier Loss in Tajikistan:
  • Over the past 30 years, more than 1,000 out of Tajikistan’s 14,000 glaciers have disappeared.
  • Glaciers in Tajikistan are essential as they provide fresh water to rivers, ensuring water supply during dry periods.
• Regional Impact and Water Security Threat:
  • The loss of glaciers is a critical issue for Central Asia, which relies heavily on glacial meltwater for food and water security.
  • Kyrgyzstan, another Central Asian country, is also experiencing similar challenges due to rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt.
• Global Context and Climate Change:
  • The rapid melting of glaciers is attributed to climate change, posing a significant threat to water resources not just regionally, but globally.
  • According to UN scientists, glaciers in Central Asia could completely vanish by the end of the 21st century if current trends continue.
• Potential Consequences:
  • The disappearance of glaciers would result in severe water shortages, affecting approximately 80 million people across Central Asia.