the third pole (tp) region in the tibetan plateau constitutes the largest area covered in ice after the polar regions. the third pole (tpe) environment program was initiated to facilitate international research activities to understand the unique biogeography and evolution of the region. furthermore, tpe aims to assess the impact of the changing climate on the glaciers in the tp region and on the local community life, infrastructure and biodiversity. some of the projects undertaken in the program include a glacial river run-off and flood monitoring system, evaluation of glacier collapse events in the karakoram region and their impact on downstream lakes, flood monitoring, remote sensing and analysis of ice cores for understanding the effect of geological evolution on the changing climate. find out more about the tpe program and how it can help a sustainable adaptation to the changing environment here: