Global cooperation for earth’s cryosphere

The world is a strange place. We take our bright tropical sunlight and tall green trees for granted. Imagine living in a cold, barren and dark place, veiled in blinding mists and devoid of even a single blade of grass—let alone trees. I remember talking to a Scandinavian scientist once, working in the High-Arctic—“I even find your arid Rajasthan so green”, she said. Today, we have indeed come a long way and can proudly claim to be well-heeled in undertaking Polar research. This issue of G’nY is thus dedicated to the celebration of India’s heightened competency.

Closer home however, the glaciated realms of the Hindukush-Himalayan region, the third pole, calls for greater cooperation and concerted global action. Spanning eight countries and supporting a vast population, the region is increasingly witnessing tragic hydrological disasters. Avalanches, cloudburst and landslides are taking a constant toll on hapless victims. In fact, the past five to six decades have shown a rising trend of extreme warm events¹.  The region is also the source of Asia’s ten major rivers which provides water, food, energy for almost 1.9 billion people¹.  It is fairly astonishing that despite its importance, the Hindukush-Himalayan region is not represented by any multi-country scientific forum, where relevant observations and climate change mitigative ideas are exchanged. The needs and concerns of the Hindukush-Himalayan region transcend borders. Interestingly, China alone houses 49 per cent² of the region’s glaciers.

India’s interests now span tripolar realms. Of the very few things that makes us proud of modern India, this definitely takes the cake. G’nY thus endeavours to delight you with this very special issue of the newly rechristened, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Region, Goa.

Happy reading!