IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GLACIER DYNAMICS AND FRESHWATER AVAILABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA

Abstract

The glaciers of the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalaya (HKH) region serve as a vital freshwater source for over 1.5 billion people across South Asia. However, rising global temperatures have accelerated glacier retreat, threatening long-term water security in this climate-sensitive region. This article examines the impacts of climate change on glacier dynamics, meltwater variability, and freshwater availability across South Asia, with a focus on Pakistan’s Indus Basin. Drawing from satellite observations, hydrological modeling, and field data, we explore trends in glacial mass loss, seasonal runoff shifts, and downstream socio-economic vulnerabilities. The study calls for urgent adaptation strategies, including transboundary water governance, glacier monitoring systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.