On January 21st, 2025, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This global initiative calls for urgent action to preserve glaciers, which are vital for freshwater supply. They provide water to over 2 billion people, making their preservation crucial for both environmental sustainability and human survival.
Glaciers are often called the “water towers” of the world. They store about 70% of the Earth’s freshwater, serving as a critical source of water for ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking. Yet, they are melting at an unprecedented rate. This accelerating retreat threatens the water security of millions.
URGENT WAKE-UP CALL ON GLACIER LOSS
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the alarming trends, stating, “2024 was the warmest year on record. They have suffered the most significant mass loss in five decades.” The year 2023 saw glaciers lose more ice than any other year since records began. These findings signal a global climate emergency.
“They are melting faster than ever, and the consequences are dire for billions,” Saulo added.
SCALE OF GLACIER RETREAT: WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Globally, over 275,000 glaciers cover about 700,000 square kilometers. Yet, as global temperatures rise, these ice formations are retreating faster than ever before. The retreat increases the risk of floods, landslides, and avalanches in the short term. It also threatens long-term water availability for billions.
They are especially crucial in regions like the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. They are vital in the Andes, where millions depend on glacial meltwater for freshwater.
HOW GLACIER LOSS AFFECTS OUR FUTURE
John Pomeroy, co-chair of the Advisory Board and a leading expert at the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted the risk of its loss. He said, “Glaciers act like natural reservoirs. They store water until it’s needed. Their rapid retreat is putting billions of people at risk.”
Glacier loss directly impacts water supply for agriculture, energy, and industry. It also endangers ecosystems that rely on freshwater and exacerbates climate-related hazards like flooding and droughts.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF GLACIERS’ PRESERVATION: KEY GOALS
The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation is an urgent initiative. It aims to raise global awareness about the importance of glaciers. It also highlights the dangers of their rapid retreat. The initiative is supported by over 75 international organizations and 35 countries, with UNESCO and WMO at the helm.
Key actions during the year include:
- Expanding Monitoring: Enhance global monitoring systems to track retreat and offer early warnings.
- Early Warning Systems for Glacier Hazards: Develop advanced systems to warn communities about glacier-related disasters.
- Sustainable Water Management: Promote strategies for managing water resources in regions dependent on glaciers.
- Cultural Heritage Protection: Protect and preserve cultural traditions tied to glaciers, particularly in Indigenous communities.
- Youth Engagement: Involve young people in its conservation efforts and broader climate action.
GLACIERS AS CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PILLARS
Glaciers are more than just water sources. They are deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of many Indigenous communities worldwide. From the Andes to the Himalayas, they are considered sacred, playing a pivotal role in traditions and belief systems.
The loss of these icy sheets would erase these significant cultural sites and rituals, harming cultural heritage. They preserve invaluable data about climate patterns. These icy sheets also record human history. They act as “frozen archives” that provide scientists with key information about past climates and ecosystems.
GROWING CLIMATE CRISIS: IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
With glaciers retreating across all regions, the international community must act quickly to address the crisis. The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to slowing its loss and securing the future of water resources.
Governments, scientists, and businesses must collaborate to implement solutions that protect them and the communities that rely on them.
SCIENTIFIC HERITAGE: THE VANISHING ICE ARCHIVES
Glaciers hold a vast scientific record of Earth’s environmental and climate history. Their ice cores offer insights into past climate conditions, atmospheric changes, and even human activities spanning thousands of years. As they melt, these crucial records are lost forever, making it harder to understand the patterns of climate change.
SACRED NATURE OF GLACIERS FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
For many Indigenous peoples, glaciers are sacred places. They are not only vital for water security but also serve as spiritual and cultural landmarks. In regions like the Andes and Himalayas, they are considered the home of deities, integral to local religious practices.
With these icy sheets disappearing, these sacred sites are under threat. UNESCO’s efforts to preserve them also aim to safeguard the cultural and spiritual heritage of these communities.
GLOBAL IMPACT OF GLACIER RETREAT
The implications of glacier loss extend far beyond the affected regions. Melting icy sheets affect global water cycles, contributing to rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and disruptions in ecosystems.
Moreover, glacier retreat exacerbates environmental challenges like wildfires, flooding, and droughts, which can devastate local economies and livelihoods. The need for coordinated global action is more urgent than ever.
JOIN THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO SAVE GLACIERS
The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation serves as a clarion call for global action. Governments, civil society, and the private sector must all play a role in protecting these icy sheets. .
We can safeguard the future of these essential water resources by reducing carbon emissions. We should promote sustainable water management. Investing in its conservation is crucial for future generations.
