The Third Pole

The Third Pole refers to the Himalayan region, including the Tibetan Plateau, which holds the world's largest reserve of freshwater outside the Arctic and Antarctic. It's called the "Third Pole" because of its vast ice fields and glaciers, similar to the North and South Poles. These glaciers feed major rivers like the Ganges, Yangtze, and Mekong, supporting over a billion people. Climate change is causing these glaciers to melt rapidly, threatening water security, agriculture, and ecosystems in Asia. Protecting the Third Pole is crucial for regional stability and the global climate system.