Himalayas at tipping point as glacier melt threatens South Asia’s lifelines

New research warns the Himalayas are melting much faster than a decade ago, expanding unstable glacial lakes and creating cascading hazards as monitoring gaps persist. India reports 56 glacial lakes rated 'very high risk' and the region’s water sustains around 20% of India’s GDP, while cross-border risks demand coordinated monitoring, early-warning systems, and emissions reductions to protect hundreds of millions who depend on Himalayan rivers.