Himalaya

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A groundbreaking exploration of the Himalaya reveals how climate change is reshaping this unique region, which is more rugged and elevated than any other on Earth. Encompassing all of Tibet and six of the world's eight major mountain ranges, it boasts around 50,000 glaciers and the most extensive permafrost outside the polar regions. Approximately 35% of the global population relies on its freshwater for irrigation, protein, and hydro-power. The vast area, nearly the size of Europe, has a sparse, often nomadic population that speaks many languages, with diverse religious beliefs and political fragmentation across multiple nations. This complexity complicates efforts to address environmental risks, including extreme temperature fluctuations. The Himalaya has attracted a wide array of admirers—explorers, botanists, ethnologists, and mountaineers—yet it now faces seismic instability as tectonic plates shift and climate change debates intensify. Historian John Keay presents a compelling case for the region as one of the planet's essential wonders, warning that without a profound respect for its extraordinary features, the Himalaya may soon vanish.