Approach:

Introduction: Briefly mention the current status of the melting of glaciers by showing a report.

Body: Write the reasons behind the melting of glaciers briefly. Elaborate on the impact and give some strategies to tackle the problem.

Conclusion: Give a forward-looking holistic conclusion.

Answer:

Glaciers worldwide are losing mass at an accelerating rate. As per IPCC between 2000 and 2019, glaciers lost an average of 267 billion metric tons of ice per year, which is enough to raise sea levels by around 0.74mm annually. Melting glaciers have contributed to around 21% of sea level rise over the past two decades.

Examples of melting of glaciers:

• Greenland Ice Sheet - losing about 280 billion tons of ice per year;
• Himalayan glaciers could disappear entirely by 2100.
• Glaciers in the European Alps have been in retreat since the mid-19th century,
• Glaciers in the Andes Mountains of South America lost up to 80% of their mass since the 1970s.
• Antarctic Ice Sheet

Reasons for melting of glaciers:

1. Global warming: Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt faster than they can accumulate new snow.
2. Human activities: Deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and industrial processes etc. contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, which are a key driver of global warming, which in turn leads to the melting of glaciers.
3. Changes in precipitation: Changes in the amount, timing, and form of precipitation can also affect the extent and thickness of glaciers.
4. Natural factors: Natural factors such as volcanic activity and changes in solar radiation can also affect glacier melting.

Impact of melting glaciers on climate change & human life:

1. Rising sea levels: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which can have devastating effects on coastal communities and infrastructure.
2. Water scarcity: Glaciers are an important source of freshwater for many communities around the world. As glaciers melt and retreat, it can lead to water scarcity and affect agriculture and other industries.
3. Changes in weather patterns: Melting glaciers can affect weather patterns, leading to changes in temperature, precipitation, and other weather-related phenomena. When glaciers melt, the resulting freshwater enters the ocean, which can destabilize the salinity balance of the North Atlantic and weaken the AMOC. This weakening can cause changes in regional climate patterns, such as cooler temperatures in Europe and increased hurricane activity in the North Atlantic.
4. Ecosystem disruption: Melting glaciers can cause ecosystem disruption, leading to changes in biodiversity, food webs and other ecological systems.
5. Potential for natural disasters: Melting glaciers can create the potential for natural disasters, such as flash floods or landslides, which can have catastrophic effects on human life and infrastructure.
6. Reduced albedo effect:  As glaciers melt, they reduce the earth's ability to reflect sunlight back into space, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and warmer temperatures.

Strategies to reduce glacier melting generally focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming. Some strategies include:

1. Reduce carbon emissions: This can be done by increasing the use of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power, and by implementing policies to reduce energy consumption. e.g. fulfilling the net zero emission targets.
2. Promote energy efficiency: This includes measures such as improving building insulation and promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances. e.g. Green Housing Scheme by National Housing Bank.
3. Encourage public transportation: This can reduce the use of private cars and consequently the emission of greenhouse gases. e.g. Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme in Hong Kong.
4. Plant more trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so planting more trees can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
5. Reduce waste and recycle: This can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released through landfill and other waste disposal methods.
6. Reduce deforestation: Deforestation causes a loss of natural carbon sinks, decreasing the earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. e.g. REDD+
7. Implement sustainable agriculture practices: These practices can help reduce emissions from agricultural activities and preserve water resources. e.g. conservation tillage.
8. International agreements: Governments can work together on international agreements to limit carbon emissions and combat global warming. e.g. Paris Agreement, Montreal protocol etc.
9. Adaptation measures: It is also important to plan and implement adaptation measures to address the impacts of melting glaciers, such as flooding, water resource management and infrastructure protection.

Overall, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most important long-term solution to tackling melting glaciers. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change.