The Hindu Kush and Himalayan Range (HKH)

The Hindu Kush and Himalayan Range (HKH) is famously known as the earth’s “third pole” as it forms the largest area of permanent ice cover outside of the North and South Poles.

 The HKH region spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

It is the source of ten major rivers, and is particularly sensitive to climate change. 

According to Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, 36% of the glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalaya range (HKH) could melt by 2100 even if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.