Climate change helped to trigger Nepal-Tibet flood, study finds
Summary
A study found that human-caused climate change contributed to the glacier collapse that caused deadly floods on the Nepal-Tibet border in August. The disaster was triggered by multiple factors including rising temperatures, melting glaciers, thawing frozen ground, and weak geology in the area.Key Facts
- Over 1,400 people died and thousands are missing due to floods and landslides on 26 August.
- The glacier collapse caused a strong impact similar to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.
- July and August temperatures were about 1.5°C (2.7°F) warmer because of human influence.
- Glaciers in the region are thinning by around half a meter (1.6 feet) each year.
- Heavy snowfall in previous months increased meltwater contributing to the disaster.
- A 2015 earthquake may have weakened the rock under the glacier, making collapse more likely.
- Nepali leaders emphasize the country’s vulnerability to climate change despite low greenhouse gas emissions.
- Nepal’s Prime Minister will speak at the UN General Assembly about the flood and climate justice.
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