Current:Home > FinanceMelting glaciers threaten millions of people. Can science help protect them?-LoTradeCoin
Melting glaciers threaten millions of people. Can science help protect them?
View Date:2024-12-24 00:50:56
Glaciers are melting rapidly because of climate change. All that water has to go somewhere, and some of it is getting trapped in large, unstable lakes that can burst and cause deadly flash floods downstream.
Glacial lake floods are a growing threat. In recent years, multiple glacial lake floods have displaced and killed people. And scientists warn that an estimated 15 million people around the world are at risk from such floods.
In today's episode, Rebecca Hersher and Ryan Kellman from NPR's climate desk share reporting from the front lines of this problem, in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. We hear from residents who live immediately downstream from a dangerous glacial lake. How are they coping with the risk? How has it changed their lives? And what can scientists do to protect people?
This is part of a series of stories by NPR's Climate Desk, Beyond the Poles: The far-reaching dangers of melting ice.
You can see images and video from Tsho Rolpa lake in Nepal's Rolwaling Valley here.
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Reach the show by emailing [email protected].
This episode was produced by Margaret Cirino, edited by Rebecca Hersher and fact-checked by Brit Hanson. The audio engineer was Jay Czys. Voiceovers by Jacob Conrad and Tristan Plunkett.
veryGood! (99)
Related
- Jason Statham Shares Rare Family Photos of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Their Kids on Vacation
- Chinese refugee challenges Australian law that imposes a curfew and tracking bracelet
- Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Reveal Ridiculous Situation That Caused a Fight Early in Relationship
- Thanksgiving Grandma Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton Reunite for Holiday for 8th Year
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- Nevada judge rejects attempt to get abortion protections on 2024 ballot
- Deion Sanders says Warren Sapp to join coaching staff in 2024; Colorado has not confirmed
- Astronaut Kellie Gerardi brought friendship bracelets to space
- Nevada trial set for ‘Dances with Wolves’ actor in newly-revived sex abuse case
- How to keep an eye out for cyber scams during this holiday shopping season
Ranking
- Amazon Prime Video to stream Diamond Sports' regional networks
- Air Force base defends itself from claims of political bias over conservative rally warning
- Prosecutors ask to effectively close case against top Italian, WHO officials over COVID-19 response
- 13 Secrets About Mrs. Doubtfire Are on the Way, Dear
- Democrat Ruben Gallego wins Arizona US Senate race against Republican Kari Lake
- You can make some of former first lady Rosalynn Carter's favorite recipes: Strawberry cake
- Animal welfare advocates file lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s new wolf management plan
- Lululemon Black Friday 2023: Score a $29 Sports Bra, $39 Leggings, $59 Shoes & More
Recommendation
-
My Little Pony finally hits the Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Phase 10 and Transformers
-
The Excerpt podcast: How to navigate politics around the dinner table this holiday
-
Balloons, bands, celebrities and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off
-
Suspended Alabama priest married the 18-year-old he fled to Italy with, records show
-
Republican Vos reelected as Wisconsin Assembly speaker despite losing seats, fights with Trump
-
Jason Kelce’s Wife Kylie Sets the Record Straight on Taylor Swift Comment
-
Trump tells Argentina’s President-elect Javier Milei he plans to visit Buenos Aires
-
Brazilian police bust international drug mule ring in Sao Paulo