Geological evidence reveals ‘Climate Change’ as a natural phenomenon

Himachalscape bureau March 3, 2025 3 minutes read

Shimla, March 3,

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A groundbreaking documentary, “Climate Change is Natural – Enjoy It”, produced by the Tethys Museum Foundation, is set to premiere at the Film Festival in Mumbai on March 9, 2025. The film, directed by Aamodini Arya, challenges the mainstream narrative on global warming by presenting scientific evidence that climate change is a natural geological cycle rather than a crisis solely driven by human activity. The documentary is inspired by the pioneering work of geologist Dr. Ritesh Arya, whose research in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh has uncovered compelling evidence of Earth’s climatic history.

The film delves into the geological records of the Himalayas, revealing that climate change has been a continuous process for millions of years, informed Dr Arya. Adding that, one of the key findings highlighted in the documentary is the disappearance of the ancient Indus Glacier over 10,000 years ago, which led to the drying up of rivers in the region. This discovery, based on borewell samples and sedimentary deposits, underscores the natural variability of Earth’s climate, he claimed.

Another significant revelation from the film is the transformation of Pangong Lake. Geological and sedimentary evidence suggests that Pangong was not always a lake but was once a flowing river that served as a tributary of the Shyok River, stated Arya. he said that this transformation, caused by natural geological processes, provides further proof of the dynamic nature of Earth’s climate.

The documentary also presents evidence of shrinking lakes and disappearing rivers in the Leh region. Leh, once a city of lakes, has seen the disappearance of water bodies at Spituk and Shey. Similarly, Tsomoriri, which was once a flowing river, has transformed into a lake due to a natural landslide blockade, claimed the Guinness record holder geologist. Adding that, these changes, captured through geomorphological studies, offer a glimpse into the natural cycles of warming and cooling that have shaped the region over millennia.

Noteworthy that Dr. Ritesh Arya’s research also highlights the retreat of glaciers in the region. The Khardung La Glacier has receded by 23.9 km, while the Siachen Glacier has retreated by 74.8 km since the onset of recent warming periods. These changes, documented through drilling records and geomorphological evidence, provide a clear picture of the cyclic nature of climate change.

One of the most striking pieces of evidence presented in the film is the unique climate signatures etched in Ladakh’s batholith formations. These patterns, resembling the letter ‘C’, have helped scientifically demonstrate the cyclic nature of climate change, stated Arya. The film argues that these natural cycles have historically led to environmental resilience and human progress, rather than the catastrophic outcomes often associated with global warming he added.

Dr Aya informed that the Tethys Museum Foundation aims to educate policymakers, researchers, and the general public about the need to embrace climate change as a natural phenomenon. He said that by presenting a research-backed perspective, the documentary seeks to counter fear-driven narratives and encourage a more nuanced understanding of Earth’s climatic history.

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