Glaciers around the world are disappearing at an alarming rate, with the world Meteorological Organization (WMO) issuing urgent warnings about the cascading consequences of this phenomenon. The Secretary-General of the WMO, Celeste Saulo, has highlighted the critical importance of preserving glaciers for survival. Recent studies, such as the GlaMBIE project led by Alejandro Blázquez and coordinated by the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), reveal a staggering 5% loss in global glacier volume since the year 2000. This loss varies across regions, with some areas experiencing unprecedented ice reduction.
The consequences of glacier melting extend far beyond rising sea levels, which could increase by 30-35 centimeters if glaciers outside Antarctica and Greenland continue to lose ice. The melting glaciers are a significant source of freshwater, and their depletion poses a direct threat to the water supply for millions globally. Additionally, the loss of glaciers increases the risk of natural disasters, such as floods, and has severe impacts on ecosystems.
Since 1975, glaciers have lost over 9,000 billion tons of ice, a trend driven primarily by climate change. The situation is particularly dire in regions like Scandinavia and North Asia, which have experienced record ice mass losses. Without immediate and robust climate action, many glaciers may not survive the 21st century. In light of these challenges, international initiatives have been launched to preserve glaciers and mitigate climate change, with the UN declaring 2025 as the "International Year of Glacier Preservation." This global effort aims to limit global warming to 2°C and save remaining glaciers from complete disappearance.
