United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a grave warning: Himalayan glaciers are collapsing under the strain of the climate crisis. Guterres spoke via video to Nepal’s inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad—the “Everest Dialogue.” He called for urgent global action to protect the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
“Nepal is on thin ice,” Guterres declared. “You’ve lost nearly one-third of your glaciers in just 30 years.” Glaciers in Nepal are melting at a rate 65% faster in the last decade. This acceleration is compared to the decade before and is driven by record temperatures. This rapid retreat threatens ecosystems, water supplies, and livelihoods across South Asia.
TWO BILLION LIVES DEPEND ON HIMALAYAN GLACIERS
For centuries, Himalayan glaciers served as crucial freshwater reservoirs. Their accelerated melt now jeopardizes water for nearly two billion people downstream.
Major river systems—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus—face reduced flow, endangering agriculture, drinking water, and food security. Saltwater intrusion and collapsing river deltas could trigger mass displacement across vulnerable regions, Guterres warned.
CHILDREN DEMAND CLIMATE ACTION
Ahead of the summit, over 100 Nepali children and youth delivered a powerful declaration demanding urgent, inclusive climate action. They urged leaders to treat them as rights-holders and climate actors, not just passive victims of environmental damage.
Their key demands include child participation in policy decisions. They also want support for youth-led initiatives. Additionally, they demand recognition of climate impacts on child rights.
“STOP THE MADNESS,” SAYS GUTERRES
Guterres renewed his call to end fossil fuel-driven global warming. His warning echoed sentiments shared during his 2023 visit to the Everest region.
Standing among shrinking glaciers, he had then proclaimed the “rooftops of the world” were disappearing. He praised Nepal’s leadership in climate adaptation, citing reforestation, early warning systems, and its goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
GLOBAL CLIMATE GOALS DEMAND BOLD ACTION
The UN chief stressed the urgent need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.
He called on major emitters to lead by slashing emissions, investing in renewables, and delivering promised climate finance.
Key priorities include:
- Fulfilling the $1.3 trillion climate finance goal from COP29.
- Doubling adaptation funds to $40 billion this year.
- Strengthening support for the Loss and Damage Fund.
