The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
It is estimated that more than 275,000 glaciers worldwide cover approximately 700,000 km² and store about 70% of the global freshwater. Given its importance, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have officially launched the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation on January 21st, 2025 in order to raise awareness about the issue.
Accelerating Glacier Melt: A Global Trend Driven by Climate Change
However, these ice formations are rapidly retreating due to climate change. Indeed, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), glaciers are expected to continue shrinking in almost all regions of the world throughout the 21st century due to the ongoing rise in global temperatures.
In 2023, glaciers suffered their highest mass loss in the past fifty years of recorded data, marking the second year in a row that all glaciated regions around the world reported ice loss
2023 Report Highlights Major Shrinkage Across Key Regions
The 2023 ESOTC report highlighted the European Alps as one of the regions facing the most substantial glacier shrinkage. Additionally, glaciers in Iceland, the southern Andes, Alaska, western Canada, and the western United States also experienced significant mass loss in 2023.
Endangerment of Sustainability, Economic Stability, and Cultural Heritage
Preserving these vital resources is crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic stability, impacting sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hydropower, while also supporting livelihoods and the cultural heritage, considering that their disappearance result in the loss of unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Melting ice and glaciers threaten long-term water security for millions of people. In the short term, glacier melt leads to an increase in landslides, avalanches, floods, and droughts. Additionally, glacier melt contributes significantly to global sea-level rise, with current sea levels approximately 20 cm higher than in 1900.
Key Strategies for Glacier Conservation and Climate Action
The initiative promoted by the United Nations targets several key areas, among which: expanding global glacier monitoring systems; creating early warning systems for glacier-related hazards; encouraging sustainable water resource management and involving youth in glacier conservation efforts and climate action.
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