Ladakh experiences signs of global warming

MELTING POINT: The older generation in Ladakh says they've seen their life giving glaciers virtually disappear before their eyes.

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Karzok,Tsomoriri, Ladakh: One of the big outcomes of rising global temeratures is the fact that glaciers and ice-shelfs seem to be receding world over.

Scientists say cold deserts like the the Arctic and Antarctic are facing the worst of the snow melt impacting water levels, and the biodiversity there.

Global warming has also spread its tentacles into India's cold desert Ladakh.

An older generation in Ladakh says that with rising temperatures they've seen their life giving glaciers virtually disappear before their eyes.

"Glaciers in Ladakh are receding as temperatures have gotten warmer," says Shepherd Paljor Tundup.

These glaciers provide water to Ladakh, if they recede at an alarming rate then this region is truly on the brink.

The Tsomoriri lake is glacier fed so anything that happens to the glaciers will impact the lake . The locals say there are actual signs to show that the water levels have actually increased over the last couple of years.

Trekking upon the Tsomoriri welands, to a small island in between the water is a place which was once a breeding ground for the highly endangered black-necked crane.

However today with rising water levels, the island is almost fully under water and the last crane was spotted here seven years ago

"In 2001, I saw a nest with two eggs in it, a few days later after rainfall and water levels increased the nest went under water," says Project Manager Tsomoriri Lake, WWF India, Phundsog Tashi.

Only 60 black necked cranes exist in India and experts say, that if global temperatures continue to rise, over 100 million species are at the risk of extinction.

Ladakh it seems is only the starting point of the climate crisis which — if left unabated, threatens to impact not just biodiversity but most of the water resource in the region.