Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crm9ezvwjpno
The article explains how climate change in the Himalayas is creating problems in Indian Nepal, and China/Tibet. As the changing climate is leading to faster glacier melting, the threat of floods is increasing. This increased threat has already been seen following the deadly flooding in Nepal and Tibet. Not only is the threat of natural disasters increased, India is facing a major hit to their economy. Water from the Himalayas supports Indian agriculture, hydropower, as well as many other industries that contribute to nearly 20% of its GDP. While only 18% of the land in India is Himalayan, this relatively small region accounts for about 35% of the country’s disasters. India is beginning to monitor thousands of glacial lakes with 56 of those being classified as “very high risk.” Black carbon pollution is suspected to be a major cause of the increased melting with estimates that it contributes to a third of glacier melting.
The article shows how climate change in the Himalayas is beginning to have major impacts on regional and economic security and is no longer just an environmental problem. As all of these countries depend on the same mountains, an environmental change in Nepal for example could have major impacts on people living in a country as well as affecting that country’s economies. Any possible water consequences that come out of this will undoubtedly create political tension between the affected nations. As the water supply becomes more unpredictable, countries will begin to compete with each other over the same limited resources. This may lead to disagreements over access and management of rivers and water sources.
Unlike Nepal, India is currently only facing economic problems at the moment so the most important thing for them would be to invest in sources of water as well as cut back on their black carbon pollution as that would aid in slowing the melt of the glacier. It would also be beneficial to invest in flood prevention and flood warning systems in the case that there is another disaster in the region. Nepal however is in a different situation as they are already facing infrastructure damage. The best course of action for Nepal would be to establish more effective evacuation systems and strengthen their ways to prepare for disasters. Following the devastation of the flood they have already faced seeking international aid would be beneficial.
We can connect this situation to diplomacy as these countries will have to compromise and work together not only to find a way to stop the melting of the glaciers but also to avoid any political tensions as mentioned above. Diplomacy is more important than ever in a situation like this as this is not just a conversation about controlling land, it is to ensure that people in these regions are able to have access to water. We can also connect this to economic interdependence and NGOs as Nepal is seeking finance and humanitarian aid following the flooding.