Soot from India's Brick Kilns Speeds Himalayan Glacier Melt by a Third

A report by Systemiq and the Integrated Mountain Initiative attributes about one-third of Himalayan glacier mass loss to South Asian black carbon. Brick kilns contribute 32–42% of anthropogenic soot deposition in the region, with melt rates up 65% over the past decade.

• About one-third of Himalayan glacier melt is linked to South Asian black carbon
• Brick kilns contribute 32–42% of anthropogenic soot deposition in the region
• Glacier melt rates have risen 65% over the past decade
• Black carbon lingers only weeks, so emission cuts pay off almost immediately