NEW DELHI: A recent report indicates that Black Carbon emissions have raised snow surface temperatures by 4°C over the past two decades, accelerating the melting processes of Himalayan glaciers, particularly in the Eastern and Central Himalayas.
Delhi-based research organisation Climate Trend study analysis examined NASA satellite data of the Himalayan glaciers from 2000-2023 to evaluate the impact of Black Carbon emissions resulting from burning biomass and fossil fuels.
The study – ‘Impact of Black Carbon on Himalayan Glaciers: A 23-Year Trends Analysis’ shows that Black Carbon (BC) concentration in the region rose significantly from 2000 to 2019. Further, the levels see relative stabilisation between 2019 and 2023, suggesting a possible plateau in emissions or a change in atmospheric conditions.
According to the report, the average snow surface temperatures in the Himalayan snow peaks have increased by more than 4°C over the last two decades, from an average of -11.27°C (2000–2009) to -7.13°C (2020–2023).
The overall mean temperature increase over the 23 years was -8.57°C. Regions with higher Black Carbon deposition have higher snow surface temperatures and lower snow depth.
Hence, more Black Carbon means higher surface temperature, more snow melt, and reduced snow depth. The research reveals that black carbon particles darken snow surfaces, lower their reflectivity (albedo), and make them absorb more solar radiation, which results in faster snow melt.
Black carbon acts like a heat lamp on snow. It darkens the surface, accelerates melting, and triggers a dangerous feedback loop. The good news is that Black Carbon stays in the atmosphere for days or weeks. Reducing emissions can cool the region within years — not decades.
“Glacier melt is accelerating, threatening freshwater resources to nearly two billion people downstream,” said Dr Palak Baliyan, lead author of the study.
“The Eastern Himalaya consistently exhibits the highest levels of Black Carbon, likely due to its proximity to densely populated and biomass-burning regions. Major sources contributing to Black Carbon include biomass combustion, fossil fuel use, and open burning, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), which acts as a hotspot for emissions,” She further said.
The study also suggests a strong positive correlation between Black Carbon and snow surface temperature, which means that Black Carbon is contributing significantly to enhanced surface warming.
“Reducing black carbon, especially from cookstoves, crop burning, and transport, can offer quick wins for climate and water security,” said Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends.