The United Nations General Assembly has officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, accompanied by the annual observance of World Day for Glaciers on March 21st, beginning in 2025. This declaration signifies a global call to action, aiming to elevate awareness about the indispensable role of glaciers and the urgent need to address their accelerated melting, alongside its wide-ranging consequences.
This landmark resolution underscores the critical function of glaciers, snow, and ice within both the climate system and the hydrological cycle. These frozen reserves significantly influence economic stability, social well-being, and environmental health. The initiative seeks to share best practices and knowledge to combat the challenges arising from the cryosphere’s rapid transformation.
Why Glaciers Matter: Beyond Frozen Landscapes
Glaciers are more than just scenic, icy expanses; they are crucial freshwater reservoirs and key regulators of the Earth’s climate. As stated by the UN, the International Year and World Day aim to spotlight the “economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere.” Their meltwater sustains ecosystems, agriculture, and human populations downstream, while their presence influences regional and global weather patterns. The International Science Council (ISC) emphasizes the crucial need to enhance understanding of the cryosphere’s dynamics and its intricate links to Earth’s climate system, especially considering the profound effects of human-induced climate change.
The accelerating loss of glaciers, driven by rising global temperatures, threatens water security, increases the risk of natural disasters like glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and contributes to sea-level rise, endangering coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide.
UNESCO and WMO to Lead the Charge
UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have been entrusted with facilitating the implementation of the International Year and World Day for Glaciers. They will collaborate with governments and relevant organizations to coordinate activities, share knowledge, and promote best practices. To ensure effective implementation, an Advisory Board and four Task Forces, comprising over 75 international organizations and 35 countries, support the coordination efforts. These Task Forces will drive key initiatives outlined for the International Year, ensuring alignment with overall objectives and a widespread global impact.
The Cryosphere: A Decade of Action
The declaration of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation aligns with broader efforts to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development. The ISC advocates for a dedicated “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences,” emphasizing the importance of collaborative, transdisciplinary research and knowledge sharing to inform evidence-based policy decisions.
The World Day for Glaciers on March 21st will serve as an annual focal point for raising awareness and mobilizing action. It will provide an opportunity to highlight successful conservation efforts, share scientific findings, and engage communities in protecting these vital resources.
A Call for Collective Action
The UN’s declaration is a powerful call for global collaboration. It encourages governments, research institutions, NGOs, and individuals to work together to:
- Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The most effective way to protect glaciers is to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and other sources.
- Promote Sustainable Water Management: Implement sustainable water management practices to conserve water resources and adapt to changing water availability.
- Invest in Research and Monitoring: Support scientific research to improve understanding of glacier dynamics and monitor their changes over time.
- Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of glaciers and the threats they face.
- Support Vulnerable Communities: Provide assistance to communities that are directly affected by glacial melt and its consequences.
The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation offers a unique opportunity to raise the profile of these critical ecosystems and mobilize action to protect them. By working together, we can secure a sustainable future for glaciers and the communities that depend on them. As the world gears up for 2025, let’s unite to safeguard these frozen water towers for the benefit of present and future generations.
