Glacier melting has accelerated in Kyrgyzstan
Is it realistic to stop the melting of glaciers in Kyrgyzstan?
A glacier descended in the Juuku Gorge on the pass connecting the Issyk-Kul Basin with the high-mountain Arabel Plateau. Over two million cubic meters of ice mixed with stones rushed into the valley. Several cattle bridges were demolished, and traffic on the road was partially blocked. Experts say that over the past five years, such a huge glacier has collapsed for the first time.
Andrey Podrezov, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, expert in the field of climate change impacts (CRSU):
– Over 30 years, the area of glaciers in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by more than 20 percent. But I would not blame the human factor at the local level for this. Industrial work in the highlands is carried out only in the area of the Kumtor gold deposit. A natural disaster occurred in the area of the Juuku Gorge. The reason for this, I believe, was the impact of global warming, which we are seeing throughout the planet. The exception may be Antarctica, and even then not everywhere. In my opinion, only a decrease in temperature can stop the melting of glaciers. UNDP is currently addressing this problem. As for whether a glacier that has descended into the valley can provoke mudflows, a lot depends on the geography and terrain. If there are any depressions and they fill with water, a breakthrough may occur.
