Explainer: Why Should Glaciers be Preserved?
The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of the Glaciers preservation to raise awareness on the
The United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of the Glaciers preservation to raise awareness on the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice paly in the climate system. The "International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) 2025" is a global initiative launched by the United Nations, primarily led by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role glaciers play in the climate system and the urgent need to protect them from rapid melting due to climate change; this year aims to promote research, policy action, and public engagement to address the challenges posed by glacier loss, which significantly impacts water security for millions worldwide.
What is the importance of Glaciers?
Glaciers are keystones of life on earth. As giant freshwater reservoirs, they support the planet's life systems and influence our day-to-day lives, even for communities who live far away from them.
Glaciers, slow-moving rivers of ice, have sculpted mountains and carved valleys throughout Earth’s history. Glacier melt delivers nutrients into lakes, rivers, and oceans. Those nutrients can make phytoplankton thrive on them. These phytoplankton are the base of aquatic and marine food chains. Gradual glacier melt sustains stream habitats for plants and animals. So it has an indirect impact on wildlife and fisheries.
Glaciers also impact sea level. The cryosphere consists of all the places on Earth where water is frozen, including snow, sea ice, ice sheets, and glaciers. Though glaciers and ice caps account for only 0.5 percent of total land ice, their contribution to sea-level rise during the last century exceeded that of the ice sheets.
Glaciers not only transport material as they move, but they also sculpt and carve away the land beneath them. A glacier's weight, combined with its gradual movement, can drastically reshape the landscape over hundreds or even thousands of years. The ice erodes the land surface and carries the broken rocks and soil debris far from their original places, resulting in some interesting glacial landforms.
Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating the global climate by acting as massive freshwater reservoirs, providing water sources for communities downstream, and reflecting sunlight back into space, while their preservation primarily relies on drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, which is the primary cause of glacier melt; additionally, monitoring glacier health and implementing adaptation strategies in regions dependent on glacial meltwater are important steps towards preservation.
However, due to climate change, driven mainly by human activities since the 1800s, these vital resources are rapidly melting. The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation to highlight the importance of glaciers and ensure that those relying on them, and those affected by cryospheric processes, receive the necessary hydrological, meteorological, and climate services. These efforts underscore the critical role mountain regions play as a key source of global freshwater and ecosystem services.
"International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) 2025" aims to promote research, policy action, and public engagement to address the challenges posed by glacier loss, which significantly impacts water security for millions worldwide.
Key points about IYGP 2025:
Focus:
To highlight the vital role of glaciers in the water cycle, the environmental impacts of their decline, and the need for immediate action to preserve them.
Organizers:
UNESCO and WMO, collaborating with various UN agencies, scientific organizations, and governments.
Key activities:
Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of glaciers
Scientific research initiatives to better understand glacier dynamics and melting rates
Policy advocacy to encourage glacier-protective measures at national and international levels
Events and conferences to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration
World Day for Glaciers:
As part of IYGP 2025, March 21st is designated as the "World Day for Glaciers" to further raise awareness and focus global attention on glacier preservation.
Why is this important?
Water security:
Glaciers act as vital water sources for many communities around the world, and their rapid melting threatens access to freshwater.
Climate change indicator:
Glacier retreat is a significant indicator of climate change and its severe impacts.
Biodiversity impact:
Glacier ecosystems support unique and diverse plant and animal life that could be significantly affected by glacier loss.
How to slow down the melting of Glaciers?
Reduce Carbon Emissions:
The most effective way is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major cause of global warming. This can be done by using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation.
Plant Trees:
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, helping to reduce its levels in the atmosphere.
Raise Awareness:
Educate others about the impacts of global warming and the importance of sustainable practices.
Support Policies and Regulations:
Support government policies and regulations that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Practice the 3 Rs to minimize waste and conserve resources. Remember, every small action counts and can contribute to the larger goal of slowing down glacier melt and combating climate change.
