Changing dynamics of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region from 1990 to 2020

This report presents a comprehensive, multidecadal assessment of glacier change across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) from 1990 to 2020, revealing a 12% reduction in glacier area alongside a significant decline in ice reserves as climate change accelerates glacier retreat across the region. Combining high-quality satellite data and robust analysis, it highlights strong regional variations, with particularly rapid losses in the eastern and central HKH, and underscores the critical role glaciers play in sustaining water resources, regulating river flows, and influencing disaster risks. By linking glacier dynamics to water security, climate adaptation, and transboundary challenges, the report provides an essential evidence base for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to address the growing impacts of climate change in one of the world’s most vulnerable mountain systems.