The HKH region, referred to by some as the Third Pole because it contains the largest area of frozen water outside the polar regions, is the source of ten major river systems that together provide irrigation, power and drinking water for 1.3 billion people – over 20% of the world’s population. This regional water system is already under considerable stress and could be involved in future crises encompassing disputes over dams and river diversions, floods, water shortages and contamination...

To read more, please see our report:

The Waters of The Third Pole: Sources of Threat, Sources of Survival