What’s at stake is not just water supply, but food and energy security, regional stability, and the ability of nearly two billion people to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
by C.A.R.E. climateawarenessreport on 24 April 25 via thefreeonline at https://wp.me/pIJl9-GJG Telegram t.me/thefreeonline/2962
Snow Deficits in the Himalayas Signal a Water Crisis for Nearly 2 Billion People – ↗.wo
The 2025 Snow Update Report has delivered a stark warning: for the third consecutive year, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has experienced below-normal snow cover.
Download the HKH Snow Update 2025
With snow persistence—a measure of how long snow remains on the ground after falling—reaching a record low of -23.6%, the findings highlight a troubling trend for the 12 major river basins that depend on this vital seasonal snow.
This significant drop in snow persistence is more than a weather anomaly. It’s a clear indicator of how climate change is disrupting natural systems, putting at risk the water security of nearly two billion people who live downstream of these rivers, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
India’s parched rivers: At least 13 without water, … Apr 1, 2024
A Third Year of Alarming Decline
The HKH region, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast snow and ice reserves, is crucial for seasonal water storage. These snowpacks melt gradually during spring and early summer, feeding rivers that support agriculture, hydropower, and daily life across South and Southeast Asia.
However, the report shows that all twelve major river basins in the region faced below-average snow cover in 2025. The Mekong and Salween basins were particularly hard-hit, losing over 50% of their typical snow persistence.
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