UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards because warming can cause which of the following? 1. Glacier retreat and thinning 2. Permafrost thaw and slope destabilisation 3. Increased risk from glacial lake outburst floods Select the correct answer using the code below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Mountain climate risks

  • Statement 1 is correct: warming shifts the snow-melt balance and accelerates glacier retreat.
  • Statement 2 is correct: thawing permafrost removes an important stabilising layer on mountain slopes.
  • Statement 3 is correct: expanding or unstable glacial lakes can produce outburst floods.
  • All three processes intensify risks to water security, infrastructure and settlements.

Topics: climate change, environment and ecology, glaciers, permafrost and glof risk, hindu kush himalaya