Post-glacial ecosystems could help to slow down climate change, says decade-long study

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated17/09/2024

Management of ecosystems formed by retreating glaciers could boost biogeochemical processes, aiding in climate change mitigation,

Glacier retreat, one of the most visible indicators of climate change, poses a range of environmental threats, yet new research highlights its potential to mitigate some of these effects.
A global study titled ‘The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat’, published in Nature, investigates how ecosystems develop in areas formerly covered by glaciers, suggesting that these ecosystems could play a significant role in slowing down climate change.

Led by Professor Gentile Francesco Ficetola from the University of Milan and Silvio Marta from Italy’s Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, the decade-long study explored the development of post-glacial ecosystems across diverse climates, collecting over 1,200 soil samples from nearly fifty glaciers worldwide, including the Indian Himalayas.
Researchers, including Dr. Pritam Chand from Central University, Punjab and Professor Milap Chand Sharma from Jawaharlal Nehru University, contributed by studying samples from the Gangotri and Bara Shigri glaciers.
The study shows that after glaciers retreat, ecosystems begin to evolve with microorganisms like bacteria, protists, and algae being the first to colonise barren landscapes.
These species initiate biogeochemical processes that enrich the soil, facilitating the arrival of more complex plants like lichens, mosses, and grasses within a decade. As these ecosystems mature, they enable the growth of larger plants and support animal life, transforming desolate landscapes into vibrant ecosystems.

While glacier retreat accelerates climate change by reducing surface reflectivity (albedo effect) and releasing stored carbon, the study’s findings reveal that post-glacial ecosystems could help offset some of these effects.
These emerging ecosystems capture and store carbon through growing biomass and other biogeochemical processes, contributing to carbon sequestration. According to Dr. Pritam Chand, this is a significant discovery, highlighting how these ecosystems could serve as vital tools in the fight against climate change.

As glaciers continue to retreat in areas like the Himalayas and sub-polar regions, managing these new ecosystems becomes critical. Proper management could accelerate the development of post-glacial landscapes, providing temporary habitats for species threatened by climate change, especially cold-adapted species.
Additionally, the presence of wild herbivores could further enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in these regions.
In the Indian context, particularly in the Himalayas, the regulation of water availability through these ecosystems is crucial for the survival of rivers that supply millions of people with drinking water, support agriculture, and power hydroelectric projects.
Protecting these newly developed ecosystems could also have significant socio-economic benefits, such as promoting eco-tourism and fostering local economies.

These emerging ecosystems offer an opportunity for biodiversity conservation and may even lead to scientific discoveries in the fields of medicine and agriculture.
The study calls for further research and proactive conservation measures to protect these crucial habitats, which not only mitigate climate change but also provide refuges for biodiversity and potential economic benefits.
By safeguarding and managing post-glacial ecosystems, India and the world can harness their full potential in climate adaptation and ecological resilience. As glacier retreat becomes an inevitable consequence of climate change, these ecosystems offer a glimmer of hope in the form of natural climate solutions.