UNITED KINGDOM, July 1, 2005: Global warming as a result of carbon dioxide emissions is affecting the nation of Nepal in northern India. Nepal is home to the Himalayan mountain region that boasts glaciers that contribute to the water supply for millions of people in the area. Scientists in India believe that as CO2 emissions increase, the ancient glacier that feeds the holy river Ganges may melt down before the end of the 21st century. However, the UK government does not agree with the study done in India. The International Development department (UK) concluded that it is only in the mountains that the rivers are fed by glacier melt. Rivers on the plains receive water from the monsoons.
Dr. R. K. Pachauri, head of the intergovernmental panel on climate change says, “Climate change was predicted to disrupt monsoon rains. Combined with glacial meltdown this will leave people doubly vulnerable.”
In addition, some glaciers have already melted into lakes and the water is often trapped behind walls of debris collected by the glacier. During one episode in Nepal, this makeshift glacial rock dam burst and swept away homes and a power plant. The Nepali government would like to channel this water elsewhere but it cannot afford to do so.
In general, Nepali consumers create 5% of the CO2 produced by American consumers. Campaigners in Nepal want rich nations to pay for damages caused to the climate. If the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) turns the mountain chain into a world heritage site, then in theory all the member governments may be responsible for the damage.