Large Reduction in Glaciers Under High Emissions Scenario in Central Himalayas

Journal of Glaciology, August 26

Up to 85% of the glaciers found in the Koshi River Basin could disappear by 2100 under the highest emission scenarios (RCP8.5). The Koshi River, a major tributary of the Ganges has a 50,000 km² basin (the size of Costa Rica).  Over 5% is covered by glaciers, and spreads across India, Nepal, and China.  Should current emissions levels continue, glacier melt and river discharge in the Koshi Basin will increase until the end of the century due to future increases in rain rather than snow, leading to nearly complete disappearance of glaciers there. This retreat in turn can impact the reliability of water supplies downstream in the Koshi Basin, as well as the Ganges; with potentially hundreds of millions impacted along both rivers.

Compiled by Amy Imdieke