Activity One - Importance

We have learnt from looking at The Alps in Europe that the water from the glaciers are very important to different stakeholders. We are now going to explore how the water is a vital resource in the Himalayan region. 

1. Watch the YouTube clip below and mind map the following points:

   1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • What the area is called.

                     • The amount of people who rely on the region. 

                     • The impact that the melting ice is having on the region. 

Useful Resource

Activity Two - Describe

As always geographers like to use data to illustrate their arguments and describe change.  We are going to explore how a visual stimulus helps us to discover the changes in ice in the Himalayan region. 

1. Using the images/graphs in the 'Useful Resources' box describe the changes in the cumulative mass balance and expected temperature changes. 

Useful Resource

Activity Three - Impact

We are now going to explore the impact that the decrease in glacial mass has on its surrounding regions in the Himalayas. Create a detailed example of the consequences that climate change is having on the area.

• Places

• Process

• Perspectives

Useful Resources

The Guardian - A Third of the Himalayan Ice Caps Doomed 

National Geographic - Water Crisis Looms 

Reuters - Floods in Pakistan 

Asia Society - Himalayas Melting Impacts Billions 

Activity Four - Possibilities

It has all been a bit 'doom and gloom' so far in the lesson as you have been discovering the consequences that climate change is having on the Himalayan Region in Asia. Geography though also explores the possibilities of how to create positive change.  How can scientific and technical innovation help to create appropriate solutions to mitigate the impact that climate change is having on the region?

Useful Resources

Activity Five - It is possible?

We have now spoken a lot about climate change and how it is negatively impacting the Himalayan Glaciers but things are never quite as simple as that! A recent article on the Geographical has suggested that glaciers in the Himalayas area actually fighting back against global warming. This could help in gaining an understanding if all or any other glaciers may see a reversal in their fortunes. Read the article and answer the following questions:

1. Why are mountainous ecosystems considered highly sensitive to climate change? Give examples.

2. Explain why on the southern slopes of Mount Everest the temperatures have actually fallen. You could use a diagram to help you with your explanation.

3. Is this process of change good for all glaciers in the region? Explain your answer. 

4. Where has the information about glaciers actually getting colder coming from?

5. Give reasons why the article should be or should not be trusted.

Useful Resource

Geographical - Himalayan glaciers are fighting back against global warming