An urgent call to protect the world's "Third Pole" | Tshering Tobgay
New Section
The speaker discusses the impact of global warming on the Maldives and Nepal, highlighting political stunts to raise awareness.
President's Underwater Cabinet Meeting
- President Nasheed held a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009 to warn about drowning due to global warming.
- The speaker, from Bhutan, initially saw it as a political stunt with no personal concern.
- Prime Minister of Nepal later held a meeting on Mount Everest warning about melting glaciers.
New Section
The focus shifts to the impact of melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region due to global warming.
Melting Glaciers Concern
- Report suggests one-third of ice could melt by century-end at 1.5°C global warming.
- Glaciers are crucial as the "Third Pole" but are vulnerable and already melting rapidly.
New Section
The speaker visits ICIMOD in Nepal and learns about the alarming state of glaciers in the region.
Visit to ICIMOD
- Dedicated scientists reveal ongoing rapid glacier melt and its implications at different temperature thresholds.
The Need for a Third Pole Council
In this section, the speaker emphasizes the urgent need to protect glaciers in the region and proposes the establishment of a new intergovernmental agency called the Third Pole Council.
Proposal for the Third Pole Council
- The speaker suggests creating a new intergovernmental agency due to the grave situation in the region.
- Proposes establishing the Third Pole Council as a high-level organization responsible for safeguarding the third-largest ice repository globally.
- The council would include all eight countries in the region as equal member countries and could involve other interested parties as non-voting members to collaborate on glacier protection policies.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Climate Change
This part highlights the importance of global collaboration in monitoring glacier health, implementing protective policies, and addressing climate change collectively.
Working Together for Glacier Protection
- Emphasizes that individual localized efforts are insufficient against climate change and stresses the necessity of collective action.
- Advocates for thinking globally and acting regionally, emphasizing unity among all regional countries to combat climate change effectively.
Responsibility of Key Players: India and China
The speaker calls upon India and China to take significant steps in reducing greenhouse gases, controlling pollution, and leading global efforts against climate change.
Role of India and China
- Urges both countries to increase their efforts in protecting glaciers by reducing emissions, controlling pollution levels, and taking leadership roles in combating climate change.
Urgency of Action Against Climate Change
The urgency of immediate collaborative action is stressed to prevent catastrophic consequences related to melting glaciers.
Urgent Call for Action