The Ganges River, Considered Holy by Hindus, Threatened by Shrinking Glaciers and Pollution
Topics: Environment
Featured on Episode 18 of the 2009-2010 season, aired on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
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Many people around the world are concerned about climate change, but some parts of the world are likely to feel the effects more than others. In India, the growing population and the booming economy have added to the worries. But it is also a place where global warming could threaten something usually not considered at risk - religious rituals. The Ganges is considered one of the world's most endangered rivers, and the glaciers that feed it are also the prime source of fresh water for most of Asia. Those glaciers, in the Himalayas, are shrinking as temperatures rise, but how quickly is a source of debate. Janis Mackey Frayer takes us to the banks of the Ganges River in northern India, where Hindus believe that the holiest river they call Ganga Ma can bring salvation.
Additional Information:
worldatlas.com - India
More from Washington Post
treehugger.com - Salinization Threatens Holy River
BBC-Melting Himalayan Glaciers Video
Ganges River Webquest
About the Ganges River - map
American Chronicle - Ganges Pollution
Word Focus-Ganges
Ganges River Images
Wikipedia-Effects of Global Warming on India
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