“Melting Peaks and Bleaching Reefs: The Intricate Tapestry of Climate Change and a Path to a Sustainable Future” by Sheeksha Bastola
As we navigate the knotty landscapes of climate change, our journey takes us from the towering Himalayas of Nepal to the vibrant coastal waters of Eritrea. In this exploration, we witness the dual impacts of melting glaciers, receding snowlines, and the stark contrast of drought and the destruction of corals.
Traversing over 3,500 kilometers, the Hindu Kush range is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Indian Subcontinent. However, beneath their majestic illusion, a silent crisis inevitably looms - the accelerated melting of the glaciers.
The Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountain regions, also referred to as “The Third Pole,” are massive icicle giants covering Central and South Asia. The Himalayas, specifically, cover the Northern border of Nepal completely, where I am from.
For many of us in Nepal, the Himalayas are not just a geological marvel but an integral part of our identity making the crisis one that hits close to home. The once snow-covered pristinely white peaks now exist lusterlessly, but those are mere observations we make with our eyes. There was an old saying in my hometown Pokhara, which whispers the tales of the goddess of Mt. Macchapuchre who when pleased, is believed to take her final form - tricolored manifestations of yellow, orange, and red. The yellow represents the morning light, the orange represents the radiant brilliance of the afternoon sun, and the red bestows blessings upon the city below. As a kid, I remember witnessing all these colors every day. The goddess of our mountain was pleased. She blessed us. But now, the only sight I can witness in my city is the rocky abyss of once-beautiful mountains. The love that once shone when looking at mountains has now been replaced with a sense of resentment and sadness facing the harsh reality brought upon by humanity’s actions on the environment. Unfortunately, experts have warned that up to 75 percent of the glaciers in the Third Pole will have melted by the end of the century rendering it hazardous to over 2 billion people in the region.
The glaciers form all the major river systems in the Indian Subcontinent, the Ganges, Indus, and the Brahmaputra whose supply spans across the entire continent. These changes have far-reaching consequences on food security, water supply, and consequently the health of the population residing downstream. The mingling between the melting glaciers, climate change, and health crises emphasizes the urgency of addressing these challenges.
An example is a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) which refers to a sudden and often catastrophic release of water from a glacial lake, typically caused by the breaching or overtopping of dams. Facing the threats of GLOFs, affected communities face a reality where evacuation seems like the only option. However, the financial constraints from the Nepalese government make evaluation a daunting prospect. And the harsh reality of it all? Despite the potential dangers, residents are often unwilling to leave their homes. In an environment where tomorrow is uncertain, planning for the future becomes a luxury. The attachment to their homes, along with no future to look forward to, creates a significant barrier to evacuation.
Shifting gears on the same spectrum of water-related disasters we have a very common occurrence - floods. In 2021, Nepal experienced around 144 floods destroying thousands of acres of cash crops affecting the livelihoods and food security of the locals. Destruction of agricultural disruptions is responsible for malnutrition in remote parts of Nepal where up to 40% of children younger than five years of age are stunted. Additionally, the floods act as catalysts for rampant water-borne diseases, cholera being a significant one in Nepal’s context. The Cholera endemic of the year 2022 in major cities of Nepal including but not limited to Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Nuwakot is a textbook example. Occurring during the peak Monsoon season where the water levels all over the country are rising, the endemic reported over a hundred deaths in all parts of the country. The fright accompanied the residents as they went on with their day. Statistics aside, the uncertainties linked to the changing climate and the potential hazards resulting from glacial melt can contribute to mental health strains. Communities facing the constant threat of flooding and water shortages experience heightened stress and anxiety, impacting their overall well-being.
Our journey doesn’t end here on these lofty peaks though. On the other side of the globe, a different narrative unfolds on the distant shores of the Horn of Africa.
Eritrea, nestled along the Red Sea coast, faces a distinct set of climate challenges. The temperatures have risen by up to 1.7 degrees Celsius leading to a drop in food production, droughts, and coral bleaching accompanied by overall loss of ecosystem. ‘Bahri,’ the country’s rainy season usually occurring from October to January, has failed for four consecutive years causing significant loss of crops in the coastal area and lowlands leading to a season of drought. The drought of May 2023 was one of the most disastrous ones for Eritrea leading to food scarcity and death of cattle in even the major cities of the country. Almost 2/3rds of the population rely on some form of food aid as the country is unable to produce crops. According to Eritrean government officers, up to one million Eritreans may go hungry if these conditions persist in the nation. In a nation where the majority of its residents rely on food aid, a gap exists between the daily struggle for food and the changing climate. For a considerable part of the population, the chronic reliance on aid has obscured the understanding that the root cause of their food insecurity is not solely poverty but also the climate. In the absence of this awareness, discussions around climate change may take a back seat in the daily lives of Eritreans, who are more immediately concerned with securing their next meal.
As communities deal with the harsh realities of water scarcity and agricultural disruptions, the coral reefs that once thrived along Eritrea's coastlines face a perilous decline. In the summer of 2019, I have a vivid memory of being in absolute awe as I saw the vibrant Eritrean corals. The colors beneath the water's surface were a breathtaking sight and left a lasting impression on me. However, that happiness is now tinged with grief, realizing that those once thriving corals are all lost. My memory serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems. These ecosystems that have sustained marine life and supported the coastal communities are now succumbing to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activities contribute to these underwater wonders' unprecedented destruction. These contrasting events portray climate change’s dual assault on Eritrea on land and beneath the Red Sea. The impacts of each exacerbate the other, creating a cycle of environmental degradation.
These challenges transcend global boundaries, whether it is the Himalayas or the Red Sea, the global ramifications of the changing climate affect us all. These polar opposite issues serve as a poignant reminder of climate change and how it doesn’t discriminate between the highest peaks and the lowest lands of our planet. What is the solution then? But firstly, how is all of this happening?
The climate crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable while being driven by the actions of the wealthiest. Countries like Nepal and Eritrea account for less than 4% of the carbon emissions around the world. The super-rich, constituting the top 1 percent globally, termed "carbon billionaires" are responsible for most of the climate change due to their lifestyle and financial investments in wealthy corporate polluters. Carbon billionaires lead carbon-intensive lives characterized by opulence and extravagance which go beyond personal carbon footprints. The emissions of the super-rich are not just numbers on a graph; they translate into real-world consequences. Global projections indicate that emissions from the top 1% are expected to cause 1.3 million heat-related deaths between 2020 and 2030. What’s next then? How can we halt the inevitable doom?
The global challenge of climate change requires concentrated and collective efforts blurring the lines between the public and the private sectors. The synergy between public policy-making and private initiatives in respective companies, backed by legislation and law, can play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change. Governments across the globe can combat climate change by setting ambitious emission reduction goals. Enforcing regulations and compelling industries to adopt cleaner practices can help promote sustainability at a national level. The private sector on the other hand can allocate funds for research and development in clean technologies with the support of the government fostering the creation of environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions. Investments being directed towards green projects and sustainable infrastructure can help achieve the overarching climate goals. These holistic approaches underscore the pivotal role of governments in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
In navigating the global scale of climate change, our journey from the mountains to the seas reveals a world struggling with the impacts of a warmer planet. Yet amid these challenges, there emerges a beacon of hope. Through the combined action of the public and private sectors while holding the carbon billionaires accountable we can embark on a path that leads to a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. The partnership paints a picture of a future where sustainability triumphs over climate change. Resilience and the shared commitment to combating climate change from communities around the globe instill hope. The journey, however challenging, is also one that leads towards a future where the health of our planet is safe and the well-being of its inhabitants is protected. It's a global groove toward a cleaner, greener future.
About the Author: Sheeksha Bastola
Sheeksha Bastola, a dedicated medical student, combines her passion for healthcare with her deep commitment to combating climate change. She actively contributes to research in the medical field and emerges as a proactive climate activist. Through volunteering at the United Nations, she channels her actions into meaningful initiatives addressing social issues in her local context. Her dedication reflects a holistic approach, envisioning a sustainable future that encompasses the well-being of both humanity and the environment.
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