Summary
Research published last year shows the massive Himalayan glaciers have shrunk 10-times faster over the past four decades than during the previous seven centuries. It threatens agriculture and the water supply for millions across South Asia. For a transcript, click here .Five Facts
- By when might the Himalayan glaciers be entirely gone, according to researchers?
- How do the ice stupas prevent water from melting?
- What other problems does the area experience due to climate change?
- Why might less water in the Himalayas spell trouble for more than just those who live in the mountains?
- Who does Sonam Wangchuk blame for the issues of climate change? His own community, or others?
Focus Questions
Wangchuk mentions near the end of the video that even though rural Himalayan communities were not the drivers of climate change, they are already experiencing the consequences of it. Meanwhile, many people in high-polluting countries like the United States are not feeling much of the pain yet. What can wealthier countries responsible for climate change, but not yet threatened by it, do to fix this imbalance? Should they do anything? Media literacy : This video explores a slow-developing story that deeply affects a community. Would you prefer to see more reporting like this, less centered on recent events and more so on long-term trends? Why do you think the media gives so little coverage to these slow-developing stories?For More
For an extension activity, check out this lesson plan on how individuals can address climate change using the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2021/04/lesson-plan-becoming-agents-for-change-through-the-sustainable-development-goals/Leo Kamin, a rising sophomore at Amherst College and intern at NewsHour Classroom, wrote today’s Daily News Lesson with editing by Vic Pasquantonio.
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