How is global warming affecting mountain ecosystems? Highlight key indicators and their broader implications. (350–400 words)

Introduction
Mountain regions, long considered reservoirs of ecological balance and water sources, are now bearing the brunt of climate change. The World Water Development Report 2025 and recent data from the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) show alarming trends in glacial retreat, snow decline, permafrost thaw, and erratic weather, all attributed to global warming.

Key Impacts of Global Warming on Mountain Ecosystems

1. Glacier Melting

• Glaciers are melting faster than ever. Between 2000 and 2019, global mass loss from glaciers amounted to 335 billion tonnes annually.
• The rapid melting of glaciers leads to sea-level rise, measured at 362 gigatons of loss annually, contributing to around 1 mm of sea-level rise each year.
• Smaller glaciers, especially outside polar regions, have seen accelerated retreat comparable to the size of one ice block from Germany per year.

2. Accelerating Permafrost Thaw

• High-altitude permafrost areas, especially in the Alps and other high mountains, are rapidly thawing.
• Permafrost acts as a natural stabiliser of mountain slopes. Its thaw increases landslides and slope instability due to ice melt and debris movement.

3. Decline in Snow Cover

• Snow cover in almost all mountain regions has reduced significantly. A global study showed a 7.9% drop in persistent snow cover between 1979 and 2022.
• Snow now falls at higher elevations, while duration and intensity of snowfall have decreased.
• This affects river recharge cycles, hydrological balance, and long-term water security.

4. Erratic Weather and Snowfall Patterns

• Changing precipitation patterns mean that rainfall instead of snow is now more common at higher altitudes.
• Shorter winters and unusual monsoon overlap have impacted snow-melt cycles, with cascading effects on agriculture and water availability.

Why It Matters

• Nearly 2 billion people worldwide rely on mountain ecosystems for freshwater.
• Glacial retreat affects flood risk, agricultural water security, and energy generation.
• A 1°C increase in average temperature can result in loss of up to 300,000 litres of annual runoff in a single glacier.
• The future of biodiversity, livelihoods, and regional weather patterns depends on maintaining mountain ecological balance.

Conclusion
Mountain regions are no longer the climate-resilient strongholds they once were. Urgent global climate action, coupled with regional adaptation strategies, is essential to protect the fragile ecosystems that sustain billions downstream.