The Meltdown of Khumbu Glaciers

The glacial clock is ticking and we’re running out of time.?

If you ever decide to trek your way to the Everest Base Camp, the final part of the trail comes with the arrival to Khumbu. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Khumbu is the sweetest ending of your journey. With its snowcapped mountains and majestic glaciers adorning the valley, it is a place of limitless beauty and wonder. These valleys have been a safe haven for the people of the Sherpa community for more than five hundred years. Even now, more than three thousand members of the Sherpa community call Khumbu their home. The major feature of the Khumbu region is its glacier. Lying in utter stillness, the glaciers here have become of great interest to researchers worldwide. But underneath all this tranquillity, the Khumbu region faces turmoil waiting to be unraveled.?

With increasing carbon emissions and escalating temperatures, the glaciers in Khumbu are melting down. Researches show that the ice here is melting at a rate of 30m per year since the last twenty years. The IPCC estimates that these glaciers will shrink to half by 2050. And this crisis is happening right in front of us. Since Tenzing Norgay and Hillary first climbed the Mt. Everest in 1955, the height of the Everest Base Camp itself has decreased by 50 metres. This melting causes a phenomenon called glacial lake outburst or Tshoserup as the residents call it, which are massive floods caused by the melting of ice in the glaciers. And this phenomenon is not entirely unprecedented. Twice before in 1977 and 1985, the shrinking of glaciers has resulted in flash floods sweeping away settlements and disrupting the peaceful lives of the residents. And at this rate, it might not be long till the flood strikes again.

A picture speaks for itself. The first picture shows a photo of Khumbu taken in 1950 whereas the second is a recent one. The dif erence in the width of the glaciers in these pictures is quite alarming.?

So what can be done to prevent this phenomenon? While environmentalists and researchers are studying this phenomenon, a lot can be done from our sides. Responsible tourism is the way to go. People traveling to these areas should be aware of the gravity of the situation and be mindful of the impacts that their actions can have on the local residents. Supporting local communities, minimizing and managing wastes during the journey, using local, organic goods are some small but effective steps towards making a difference. These conscious steps can make your journey fruitful for both you and the residents of these regions.?

Soul Himalaya recognizes the impacts of tourism and works tirelessly in its quest to become a dedicated practitioner of sustainable tourism.?

-Sharana Sherpa

Sources:?

Sherpa of Khumbu: People, Livestock, and Landscape - Barbara Brower In Mount Everest Region, World's Highest Glaciers Are Melting - Inside Climate News Terrifying assessment of a Himalayan melting | Nepali Times?

Climate Climax | Editorial | Nepali Times?