Protect the Earth’s Ice and Glaciars, the Vital Source of Freshwater to over 2 Billion People

Numerous activities and events during the year will seek to  raise global awareness about the critical role of glaciers in the climate system and hydrological cycle, while addressing the urgent challenges posed by accelerated glacier melting.

A Critical Moment for Earth’s Cryosphere

More than 275,000 glaciers worldwide cover approximately 700,000 km². Glaciers and ice sheets store about 70% of the global freshwater. However, these ice formations are rapidly retreating due to climate change.

The preservation of these crucial resources is essential not only for environmental sustainability, but also for economic stability and safeguarding cultural services and livelihoods.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said:

“WMO recently confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record and has sounded repeated Red Alerts about the state of our climate, including the retreat of glaciers. In 2023, glaciers suffered the largest mass loss in the five decades of record-keeping…

… It was the second consecutive year in which all regions in the world with glaciers reported ice loss. Melting ice and glaciers threaten long-term water security for many millions of people. This international year must be a wake-up call to the world.”

“The preservation of glaciers stands as one of humanity’s most urgent challenges. These ancient ice formations are not just frozen water – they are the guardians of our planet’s climate history, the source of life for billions, and sacred places for many cultures. Their rapid disappearance is a stark reminder that we must act now,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

Key Initiatives and Global Impact

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in December 2022, and established March 21st as the annual World Day for Glaciers.

It seeks to increase awareness of the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and hydrological cycle, as well as the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt and their impacts on economies and communities.  

UNESCO and WMO are leading the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and  will coordinate international efforts supported by over 75 international organizations and 35 countries. WMO hosted the launch event at its headquarters on January 21^st.  

“We are confident that this initiative will mobilize the global community, inspire action, and drive the policies and solutions necessary to protect these invaluable natural resources,” said Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan, which was instrumental in the declaration of the year.

The initiative focuses on several critical areas:

·      Expanding global glacier monitoring systems to enhance data collection and analysis

·      Developing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards

·      Promoting sustainable water resource management in glacier-dependent regions

·      Preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge related to glacial environments

·      Engaging youth in glacier preservation efforts and climate action

Short-term hazards, Long Term Loss

Glaciers are often referred to as the “water towers of the world” because river basins with headwaters in the mountains supply freshwater to over half of humanity, including in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush and Tibetan Plateau region, known as the Third Pole.

The melting of glaciers, snow and ice translates into a short-term increase in landslides, avalanches,  floods and droughts and a long-term threat to the security of water supplies for billions of people.

“Glaciers don’t care if we believe in science – they just melt in the heat for all to see,” said John Pomeroy, co-chair of the Advisory Board and a professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

“Our “frozen water” has acted like millions of small dams, holding back water until the snow or glaciers melt – right when we needed it.  More than 2 billion people rely on mountain snow and ice to replenish their rivers, lakes, and groundwater to support ecosystems, agriculture, energy, industry and drinking water…

… All of this is now at risk as global heating causes rapid glacier retreat, glacier lake outburst floods, snow droughts, loss of sea ice, rising sea levels, permafrost thaw and wildfires,” he said.

Carolina Adler of the Mountain Research Initiative is the other co-chair.