Cryosphere

Cryosphere is the part of the earth surface where water exists in solid form, e.g. sea ice, glaciers, ice sheets, snow cover and frozen ground (perma frost). Cryosphere is derived from the Latin word Krios meaning cold and  is vital for the global climate system as it regulates temperature by reflecting solar heat.

The Hindu Kush holds  the largest volume of ice outside the poles. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is a vast mountain system spanning eight countries from Afghanistan to Myanmar, often called the “Third Pole” due to its massive ice reserves. It serves as Asia’s water tower supplying water to over 240 million people in the mountains and 1.65 billion downstream via ten major river systems (see map).

The region includes the Hindu Kush range in the west (Afghanistan/Pakistan) and the Himalayas in the east, bordering China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan. It holds the largest volume of ice and snow outside the Arctic and Antarctica and is considered a crucial region for regulating regional climates. 

It holds 66731 glaciers across 55786 square kilometres. It is the source of at least ten major river systems supporting food, water, energy and livelihood security to billions. However, 78% of these glacier areas are situated between 4500 and 6000 metres above sea level and are exposed to elevation dependent warming – a phenomenon wherein temperature rises faster at higher altitude than at lower ones.

The region is highly vulnerable to climate change with glaciers melting rapidly, increasing the risk of floods, avalanches, and long-term water shortages. This region features diverse ecosystems, ranging from high-altitude deserts to tropical forests, supporting immense biodiversity. However, it also faces significant challenges, including unsustainable development and climate-induced disasters impacting the livelihoods of millions.

In this region rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra hold the largest glaciers. The region’s smaller glaciers are, however, shrinking faster creating risks of localized water shortage for high mountain communities and hazards like glacial lake outbursts and floods. A study shows that the glacier melt rate has doubled since 2000 in the Hindu Kush region.

Curbing the rapid glacier melt in the HKH region requires a number of measures like cutting black carbon emissions, reducing greenhouse gases, implementing regional scientific cooperation, managing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), reducing localized air pollution, promoting sustainable land use and enhancing monitoring networks.

Regional pollution can be controlled by preventing open burning, brick kilns, and diesel engines.

Urgent adherence to the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C is of paramount importance to prevent massive glacier loss.

Strengthening science-led collaboration  to share data and coordinate adaptation across borders will facilitate a consolidated global action towards implementation and monitoring of sustainable and developmental measures in this region.

Other ways of curbing the rapid glacier melt are:

Researching localized techniques such as artificial snow/ice creation to protect vulnerable, smaller glaciers.

Avoiding environmental damage in sensitive high-altitude areas by strictly regulating construction, avoiding explosives in development and expanding forest cover.

Installing early warning systems and implementing structural measures to drain risky glacial lakes.

Expanding and maintaining long-term observational networks and on-field studies to track glacier health in real-time.

Engaging mountain communities in conservation and empowering local adaptation efforts.

(Information Source: Hindustan Times dated 21/03/2026 and ICIMOD – International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development)