𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐭, 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚’𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚, 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔, 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌.

By Kezang Choden

Bhutan’s glaciers, which cover only about one percent of the country’s land area, play a crucial role in sustaining its major river systems. However, due to the accelerating impacts of climate change, these glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, posing significant risks to both the environment and downstream communities. The Thana, Gangjula, and Shodug glaciers have been receding rapidly in recent years.

Studies indicate that glaciers in eastern Bhutan are retreating faster than those in the west, with a 15 to 30 percent area loss over the past three decades. This rapid retreat has raised concerns about water security and the increasing risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Bhutan has already witnessed several GLOF events with devastating consequences.

The country’s worst GLOF disaster occurred in 1994 when Luggye Tsho burst, triggering a powerful flood in the Phochhu basin that caused widespread destruction. Other major incidents include the Tshojo Glacier flood in 2009, a significant outburst from Lemethang Tsho in 2015, and smaller-scale floods from Thorthormi Tsho in 2019 and again in 2023. The increasing frequency of such events highlights the growing instability of glacial lakes, exacerbated by rising temperatures.

Beyond the immediate threat of GLOFs, the continued retreat of glaciers is endangering Bhutan’s biodiversity. Many endangered species, including high-altitude wildlife, rely on glacial-fed ecosystems for survival. As glaciers melt, water sources dry up, leading to habitat loss and disrupting the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems. With climate change showing no signs of slowing, experts warn that proactive measures are crucial to mitigate risks. Strengthening early warning systems, implementing glacial lake mitigation projects, and adopting climate-resilient strategies will be key to protecting communities and preserving the country’s natural heritage.

According to the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), the rapid melting of glaciers, both in Bhutan and globally, is driven primarily by climate change and rising temperatures. Bhutan, located in the eastern Himalayas, depends heavily on monsoon moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Unlike the western Himalayas, where cold westerly winds play a significant role, Bhutan’s glaciers gain mass during the summer monsoon. This unique characteristic makes them more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Even minor temperature changes can alter precipitation patterns, affecting whether it falls as snow or rain, leading to significant variations in glacier mass accumulation and loss.

The country’s mountainous landscape means that most settlements are clustered along major riverbanks and flood-prone areas. Many of these rivers originate from glacial lakes, some of which have been identified as potentially dangerous. GLOFs pose severe threats, including loss of life, damage to infrastructure, destruction of cultural and religious sites, and disruption of hydropower systems. Such disasters could lead to forced displacement and create an economic burden on affected communities.

Since mass balance observations of Bhutan’s clean-type glaciers began in 2003, studies have shown drastic mass losses. In recent years, glaciers have experienced excessive melting without significant recovery, a trend attributed to climate change. This accelerating melt may temporarily increase water availability, but in the long term, it could result in declining river flows, affecting hydropower generation. If the trend continues, Bhutan’s glaciers could reach a peak melting phase, after which water discharge would decline, reducing energy production and increasing the risk of lake outbursts that could damage hydropower plants. However, studies on this aspect remain limited. International cooperation is essential for Bhutan to mitigate the risks associated with glacier melt and climate change. As a carbon-negative country, Bhutan cannot tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration with international partners is crucial in securing funding, technical expertise, and policy support to strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters.
Compared to previous years, communities living in GLOF-prone areas are now more aware of the risks, thanks to government initiatives. Many residents are familiar with early warning systems, but continued preparedness drills and awareness campaigns remain essential to enhance disaster readiness.

Bhutan’s conservation authorities have raised concerns about the shrinking wildlife habitats in alpine and subalpine regions, attributing the changes to shifting treelines and glacier retreat. Species such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan musk deer are losing their natural habitats as trees encroach upon alpine meadows, disrupting the fragile ecosystem. The melting of glaciers, which serve as a critical water source, is also threatening river ecosystems and reducing freshwater availability. These environmental changes are forcing wildlife to migrate to higher altitudes, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts as species like the Himalayan black bear venture into human settlements in search of food. Shifting vegetation patterns have further disrupted food sources for herbivores, creating a ripple effect throughout the food chain. Conservation officials stress that urgent action is needed to address these challenges. Efforts are underway to implement climate adaptation measures, strengthen conservation programs, and promote sustainable water management. Authorities emphasize that protecting high-altitude ecosystems and expanding Bhutan’s network of protected areas is crucial to safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity from the long-term impacts of climate change and glacier retreat.

Scientists and researchers use a combination of fieldwork, satellite technology, and modeling techniques to monitor glacial changes and assess potential GLOF risks in Bhutan. Surveys, including lake bathymetry studies and assessments of surrounding morphological conditions, provide crucial data on glacial lake stability. To build resilience against glacier-related disasters, Bhutan must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening early warning systems, implementing glacial lake risk management strategies, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable urban planning are key priorities. Diversifying energy sources, enhancing community-based disaster risk management, and investing in research and data collection will also play a critical role. Additionally, fostering regional and international cooperation remains essential in addressing the broader impacts of climate change on Bhutan’s glaciers.

While the impact of glacier melt on biodiversity requires further study, its effect on freshwater resources is undeniable. Any disruption in glacier-fed water sources could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Bhutan but for the entire region dependent on these vital water systems.

Phurpa, a 40-year-old resident of Merak Gewog in Trashigang Dzongkhag, has witnessed firsthand the changing climate in his highland community. Reflecting on the past, he recalls how winters used to bring heavy snowfall. However, in recent years, snowfall has become increasingly rare, a phenomenon he attributes to the growing impacts of global warming. According to Phurpa, rapid development and industrial activities have significantly contributed to climate change, leading to rising global temperatures and the accelerated melting of glaciers. He observed a stark contrast during the nationwide lockdown period when all factories and industries were temporarily shut down. During that time, he witnessed a rare and heavy snowfall, reminiscent of how winters used to be decades ago. “Before, we used to see consistent snowfall every winter, but now, the mountains remain mostly bare, and the weather feels much warmer,” Phurpa shared. The shift in climate has not only altered the landscape but has also posed challenges for the livelihoods of highland communities, who depend on snow-fed water sources for their livestock and traditional practices.

The rapid retreat of glaciers threatens water availability, biodiversity, and the overall ecological balance. Highland communities such as Merak are already experiencing these effects, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of their way of life. Phurpa’s account serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change. While industrial progress is essential for economic growth, finding a balance between development and environmental conservation remains critical. As Bhutan continues its efforts to combat climate change through sustainable policies and carbon-neutral commitments, voices like Phurpa’s highlight the importance of preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

Shrinking glaciers and rising global temperatures are reshaping the country’s ecosystems, driving significant shifts in species distribution. Warmer temperatures are pushing wildlife to higher elevations, with recent records showing clouded leopards above 3,000 meters above sea level, indicating an expansion in their range. Similarly, tigers, common leopards, and snow leopards are now found in overlapping habitats, intensifying competition for prey. Canids such as the dhole (wild dog) are also adapting to new elevations, leading to changes in predator-prey dynamics. Alpine species like blue sheep and musk deer face habitat loss as forests expand upward, altering their grazing areas. These shifts threaten biodiversity and could increase human-wildlife conflicts. The country must prioritize climate-adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate these challenges and safeguard its rich biodiversity.

Jimba Gyeltshen, the Gup of Chhubu Gewog, Punakha Dzongkhag, has observed noticeable changes in the region’s climate and glacial melt patterns over the years. The Gup highlighted that agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation, has been directly affected by these climatic shifts. In the past, farmers in Chhubu Gewog followed a strict seasonal cycle for planting paddy. However, in recent years, they have been forced to delay cultivation by one to two months due to unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, a significant indicator of climate change in the region is the ability to grow oranges, a crop that was previously unsuitable for the local climate. Another stark transformation is the absence of snowfall.

Gup Jimba recalled that snow used to fall in highland regions of Punakha. However, snowfall has now become a rare occurrence, reinforcing the drastic changes in climate. The melting glaciers remain a persistent concern for the people of Punakha Dzongkhag. Past glacial floods have left a lasting sense of fear among the residents, as they remain vulnerable to potential flash floods triggered by excessive glacial melt. The Gup emphasized that these changes serve as a direct warning of the ongoing impacts of climate change, affecting not only agriculture but also the safety and livelihoods of the people.

Bhutan’s conservation authorities have stressed the vulnerability of snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, and alpine prey species due to habitat loss driven by climate change. The melting glaciers and rising temperatures are pushing treelines higher, causing alpine meadows to shrink and reducing critical habitats for prey species such as blue sheep and Himalayan marmots. To safeguard these species, Bhutan has established high-altitude protected areas, including national parks. Conservation initiatives such as community-based programs, camera trapping for population monitoring, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation efforts are being implemented. Furthermore, Bhutan is collaborating with international organizations to enhance climate resilience strategies, ensuring long-term protection for these threatened alpine species.