Climate Change in Asia Dubbed the 'Third Pole', for having the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar caps, the Himalayas boast 11 peaks over 26,246 feet and around 100 over 22,966 feet.  K2 is one of those peaks, the second-highest mountain on Earth. It is located in the Karakoram segment of the Himalayan range, on the border between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of the Pakistan administered Northern Areas and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China.   The glaciers of K2, however, like most of those in the Himalayas, are melting.  Scientists predict that 80 percent of these glaciers will disappear within 30 years if current warming rates are maintained.   As glaciers retreat and contract, glacial lakes collapse, flooding downstream areas and causing sea levels to rise. This is a reality that many places have and are currently facing. Those living in close proximity to these rivers will need to relocate. Farmlands get destroyed in these flood waters. Higher up on mountains this excess water creates new ponds. As these ponds keep getting filled with more water they form lakes with the pressure on the boundaries increasing. There is always a threat of these lakes bursting, causing huge floods in villages situated below.   Learn More! Click here for more information on Glacial melting Click here to learn what you can do to fight global warming Resources on global warming Climate Change and Poverty Climate Change Home