In response to the accelerating retreat of the world’s glaciers due to climate change, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have launched the International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025. This initiative brings global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers, which are not only stunning natural wonders but also vital sources of freshwater, climate regulation, and ecological stability.
A Global Call to Protect a Critical Resource
Glaciers are among the most sensitive indicators of climate change. Over recent decades, rising global temperatures have led to unprecedented levels of glacier melting. This rapid loss has severe consequences—not just for mountain regions, but for the entire planet. Glaciers feed rivers, sustain agriculture, provide drinking water, and support energy production through hydropower. As they vanish, these systems face increasing stress.
The International Year of Glacier Preservation is a coordinated global effort to:
- Raise awareness of the impacts of glacier loss on ecosystems, people, and future generations.
- Promote scientific research and monitoring of glaciers to better understand their role in the Earth’s water and climate systems.
- Support policy-making and encourage the implementation of sustainable water and climate solutions.
- Strengthen cooperation between countries, especially those in high-mountain regions where the effects are most acute.
Why Glaciers Matter
Glaciers store nearly 70% of the planet’s freshwater. For over two billion people, glacier-fed rivers are a critical source of water. Beyond their practical importance, glaciers are also part of our cultural and natural heritage, shaping landscapes, influencing weather systems, and sustaining biodiversity.
Their disappearance is not only a physical loss but a symbolic warning of the broader crisis of climate instability. Glacial retreat contributes to rising sea levels, increases the risk of natural disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods, and affects the seasonal flow of water to large populations in Asia, South America, and other regions.
Key Actions and Global Engagement
Throughout 2025, a wide range of activities will be organized to engage the public, policymakers, educators, and scientists. These include:
- International conferences and high-level forums to encourage dialogue between scientists and decision-makers.
- Educational campaigns to reach schools and communities, emphasizing the importance of glaciers and the steps needed to protect them.
- Artistic and cultural events that connect people emotionally to the issue and foster a shared sense of global responsibility.
- A dedicated Global Glacier Monitoring Network to improve data collection and early warning systems for communities at risk.
In addition, the World Water Development Report 2025 will focus specifically on “High Mountains and Glaciers”, providing updated data, case studies, and recommendations.
Towards a More Resilient Future
The International Year of Glacier Preservation is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a commitment to action. It reminds us that climate change is not a distant threat; its consequences are already visible in the disappearing ice of the world’s mountaintops.
This year is an opportunity to build momentum for international climate goals, inspire new generations of climate advocates, and push for systemic change in how we value and manage our natural resources. By working together—scientists, governments, communities, and individuals—we can protect what remains of our glaciers and safeguard a more resilient, water-secure future for all.
