Faster Glacier Melting, More Cooperation and More Conflict?

Faster Glacier Melting, More Cooperation and More Conflict?

French researchers reported in December 2011 that the glacier melting around Mount Blanc was accelerating.  This confirms reports elsewhere in the Alps.  At the same meeting three years ago, Swiss researchers reported similar findings. See Jonathan Amos, “French Alpine glaciers in retreat”, BBC News, December 6, 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16025568.

Mountains are often borders areas, precisely because they demarcate, and glacier and the water in glaciers that melts from them mark the precise boundaries.  With this melting, borders change.  This change may be peaceful.  Take the case of Italy and Switzerland, who have instituted a process of border change.  See the ICE Case Study: http://www1.american.edu/ted/ice/AlpineBorder.html

On the other side of the world, glaciers in the Himalaya Mountains also are experiencing an accelerating melt.  These glacial melts feed the great rivers of Asia such as the Mekong, Irrawaddy, Ganges, Indus, and others.   They also mark the border between great powers with historic grievances – India, Pakistan, and China.  The Siachin Glacier is one place where melting and changing conflict strategies are intersecting in a conflictual way.  See this ICE case study: http://www1.american.edu/ted/ice/siachen.html

Which is the way ahead, cooperation or conflict?