Multidisciplinary perspectives in understanding Himalayan glacial lakes in a climate challenged world

Glacier recession in the Himalaya, driven by climate change, has significantly increased the number and size of glacial lakes in recent decades. Geoscientists have historically dominated the research inquiries on glacial lakes, mostly monitoring potentially hazardous lakes due to concerns about glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). There is no question about the risks posed by some of these lakes and the value of scientific research to address potential disasters. However, historical records suggest that only a small proportion of glacial lakes are susceptible to produce GLOF. Therefore, it is important to consider that glacial lakes also have multiple other meanings, socio-economic and cultural elements that are poorly understood and communicated. Glacial lakes have been perceived and interpreted differently by scientists, policymakers, and local communities in the Himalayan region. The importance of glacial lakes can be broadly categorized into eight major perspectives, which embody both the scientific and humanistic view of these lakes, and their societal intersections. These perspectives present glacial lakes as: a signal of climate change, a potential hazard, a trigger factor of geomorphic change, an accelerator of further glacier melt, an important water resource, a repository of paleoclimatic evidence, and a cultural-tourism site with socio-economic and local significance. We suggest that considering multiple perspectives and their meanings can further expand our understanding of the complex relationships between the cryosphere and society, creating a space for a more accurate portrayal of the complex socio-ecological-technological realities of the Himalayan glacial lakes. • Himalayan glacial lakes not only signal climate change and pose GLOF risks but also hold multiple meanings. • Glacial lakes are broadly categorized into eight major multidisciplinary perspectives or meanings. • These perspectives present scientific, social and humanistic view of glacial lakes. • Provide accurate portrayal of the complex socio-ecological-technological realities of the Himalayan glacial lakes. • Thorough understanding of glacial lakes requires multidisciplinary knowledge.