Melting Realities: The Urgent Need for a Glacial Law and Governance Framework in India
Melting Realities: The Urgent Need for a Glacial Law and Governance Framework in India | Panel Discussion | #PlanetTalks
This online Side Event is part of the program for the official launch of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation on 21 January 2025. (Link)
Commemorating the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO, lead efforts for the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 (IYGP 2025)
#IMPRI Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi invites you to the #WebPolicyTalk series:
The State of Environment – #PlanetTalks
A Panel Discussion on
Melting Realities:
The Urgent Need for a Glacial Law and Governance Framework in India
Details of the #WebPolicyTalk:
Date: January 21st, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM IST
Platform: Zoom | YouTube Live @ YouTube.com/@impriindia | Spotify | Google Podcasts
VIDEOS:
Live Video: https://youtube.com/live/X416ey19UTs
HQ Video: https://youtu.be/7iGIAnkgtZY
Podcast: Spotify | YouTube Music
About
In a landmark resolution, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025) to emphasize the urgent need for global action to safeguard glaciers, snow, and ice. The resolution also designates March 21st annually as the World Day for Glaciers, starting in 2025. Spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in collaboration with UNESCO, this initiative aims to enhance global awareness of the indispensable role glaciers play in maintaining the Earth’s climate balance, while addressing the profound economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by changes in the cryosphere.
In recognition of these efforts, the IMPRI Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, under the IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, proudly presents a panel discussion, a part of its #WebPolicyTalk series: The State of Environment – #PlanetTalks, dedicated to fostering informed dialogue on this critical global concern.
The Himalayan region, often referred to as the “Third Pole,” harbors the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions. These glaciers are vital water sources for millions across South Asia, sustaining livelihoods, ecosystems, and regional economies. However, the impacts of climate change has accelerated glacial melt, erratic weather patterns, and water resource vulnerabilities that pose significant risks to this fragile ecosystem.
India, as a key stakeholder in the Third Pole, faces critical challenges in addressing these vulnerabilities. Despite the urgent need for intervention, the absence of a dedicated glacial law or governance framework exacerbates the threats to these ecosystems and the communities dependent on them. Current policies fail to account for the unique complexities of glacial ecosystems, leaving a significant gap in climate resilience and sustainable development efforts.
This webinar seeks to commemorate this significant UN initiative by exploring the intersection of climate science, policy, and governance. This program seeks to underline the significance of glaciers as vital water sources and climate regulators while emphasizing the urgent need for robust legal and governance frameworks to address their conservation. Through expert-led discussions, case studies, and actionable policy recommendations, the event will catalyze awareness and encourage multi-stakeholder participation in preserving these fragile ecosystems.
Objective:
- To emphasize the significance of the Himalayan glaciers in global water security and climate systems.
- To identify gaps in existing policies and advocate for a dedicated glacial law for India.
- To draw lessons from global best practices in integrating science, policy, and community engagement for glacial conservation.
- To foster international collaboration and raise awareness about the urgent need for action to protect the Third Pole.
Program Experts
Chair & Moderator: Ms Bhargavi S Rao, Independent Researcher & Educator, Environment Activist, Bengaluru; Visiting Senior Fellow (Honorary), IMPRI
Panelists:
Prof Anil Kumar Gupta, Professor & Chief Executive, Integrated Centre for Adaptation to Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainability ICARS, IIT Roorkee
Mr Soumya Dutta, Founding co-convener, SAPACC (South Asian People’s Action on Climate Crisis); Former Advisory Board member, UN Climate Technology Centre & Network; Visiting Senior Fellow, IMPRI
Ms Ushashi Datta, Consultant (Global South Fellow), Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
Dr Smriti Basnett, Deputy Director, Future Earth South Asia Regional Office; Consultant Scientist, Divecha Centre for Climate Change
Dr Tsewang Namgail, Director and Senior Scientist, Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust
Coordinators
Dr Vaishali Singh, Assistant Research Manager
Priyanka Negi, Research Program & Editorial Associate
Swetha Shanker Pydimarry, Visiting Researcher & Assistant Editor
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Upcoming and Previous IMPRI #WebPolicyTalk series Events: See here
Organizer
IMPRI, a startup research think tank, is a platform for pro-active, independent, non-partisan and policy-based research. It contributes to debates and deliberations for action-based solutions to a host of strategic issues. IMPRI is committed to democracy, mobilization and community building.