What is the current state of the Himalayan glaciers?

The Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting, with the Hindu Kush Himalayan region estimated to lose up to 80% of its glacier volume by the end of this century.

How does the melting of the Himalayan glaciers impact the region?

The retreating Himalayan glaciers threaten water security for hundreds of millions of people across Asia who rely on the glaciers as natural water reservoirs. This can disrupt river flow, increase the risk of glacial lake outbursts, and impact agriculture, food security, and energy production.

What are the potential consequences of the Himalayan glacier melt?

The melting of the Himalayan glaciers could have catastrophic consequences, including irreversible damage to countless communities throughout Asia due to disrupted water supplies and increased risk of natural disasters like glacial lake outburst floods.

Home / Environment / Himalayan Glaciers Rapidly Melting, Threatening Hundreds of Millions

Himalayan Glaciers Rapidly Melting, Threatening Hundreds of Millions

22 Oct

•

Summary

Himalayan glaciers losing ice mass at alarming rate
Hindu Kush Himalayan region could lose up to 80% of glacier volume by 2100
Melting glaciers disrupt water supply for 2 billion people in Asia

Himalayan Glaciers Rapidly Melting, Threatening Hundreds of Millions

As of October 2025, climate scientists are issuing a dire warning about the rapidly accelerating melting of Himalayan glaciers. According to a recent study, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is now estimated to lose up to 80% of its glacier volume by the end of this century. This alarming development could have catastrophic consequences for the hundreds of millions of people across Asia who depend on the water from these glaciers.

Nepal has already lost about one-third of its ice over the past 30 years, and the rate of ice loss is continuing to increase throughout the entire mountain range. Izabella Koziell, deputy director general of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that "the glaciers of the Hindu Kush Himalaya are a major component of the Earth system, and with two billion people in Asia reliant on the water that glaciers and snow here hold, the consequences of losing this cryosphere are too vast to contemplate."