BENGALURU — A new report warns that the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges are experiencing unprecedented glacier melt and could lose up to 80% of their current volume by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced.

The report, released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu, highlights the increased likelihood of flash floods and avalanches in the coming years. It also points out that nearly 2 billion people living downstream of the mountains, who rely on water from the 12 rivers originating in the region, will be affected by the reduced availability of fresh water. The vulnerability of the communities in these mountains, who face the risks of climate change despite having contributed minimally to global warming. It calls for greater support and adaptation efforts to help these communities cope with the challenges they face.

Previous reports have highlighted the severe impact of climate change on the cryosphere, which encompasses areas covered by snow and ice. Mount Everest's glaciers, for instance, have experienced an alarming loss of 2,000 years' worth of ice in the past three decades alone.

A recent study has now provided a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between cryosphere changes, water resources, ecosystems, and society in the mountain region. The research sheds light on the profound implications of these changes for the delicate balance of water availability, ecological systems, and human communities in the area.

The report released on Tuesday reveals alarming findings regarding the Himalayan glaciers. It indicates that the rate of disappearance of these glaciers has accelerated by 65% since 2010 compared to the previous decade. Furthermore, the reduction in snow cover, driven by global warming, will lead to a decrease in the availability of fresh water for communities residing downstream.

The study also highlights the potential risks posed by 200 dangerous glacier lakes in the region, with a significant increase in glacial lake outburst floods expected by the end of the century. These findings emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the communities reliant on its water resources.

The recent study underscores the severe and irreversible effects of climate change on communities in the mountainous regions, particularly the Hindu Kush Himalayas. It reveals that the changes in glaciers, snow, and permafrost are unprecedented, leading to significant consequences for these areas.

Examples of sinking towns and the difficulty of restoring melted ice highlight the urgency of addressing global warming. The study emphasizes the importance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and urges policymakers to take these irreversible changes seriously. Overall, immediate action is necessary to mitigate the impact on mountain communities and preserve the cryosphere.