The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) to raise global awareness about the critical role glaciers play in our climate system and water resources. As part of this initiative, March 21 has been proclaimed as the annual World Day for Glaciers, with the inaugural observance occurring this year.
To mark this occasion, high-level events are scheduled in Paris and New York:
Paris Event: On March 20-21, 2025, UNESCO Headquarters will host discussions focusing on the state of the world's glaciers and their impact on global water security, communities, and ecosystems.
New York Event: On March 21, 2025, the United Nations Headquarters will feature a high-level event highlighting the effects of glacier changes on downstream communities and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for developing water-related adaptation strategies.
These events aim to mobilize governments, scientific institutions, private sector organizations, and civil society to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement effective adaptation strategies to preserve these vital resources for future generations.
Why Are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers are a crucial component of the Earth's climate system. They store about 70% of the world's freshwater, providing drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower for billions of people, especially in regions dependent on seasonal meltwater. Glaciers also regulate sea levels, and their melting contributes directly to rising ocean levels, threatening coastal communities worldwide.
Beyond their environmental role, glaciers are essential for maintaining biodiversity, sustaining unique ecosystems, and serving as indicators of climate change. Their retreat is a visible and alarming sign of global warming, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change and protect these critical natural resources.
What Can Be Done to Preserve Glaciers?
Preserving glaciers requires immediate and sustained global action. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most crucial step, as climate change is the primary driver of glacial retreat. Governments, industries, and individuals must accelerate the transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and implement sustainable land-use practices.
Strengthening climate policies, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and enhancing international cooperation on glacier research and monitoring are also essential. Additionally, supporting adaptation strategies for communities that rely on glacier-fed water sources is critical to mitigating the social and economic impacts of glacier loss.
For more information on the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and related events, visit the official International Year of Glaciers´ Preservation website.
The Glacier Web Portal (Iceland)
The portal is a collaborative platform providing comprehensive data on Icelandic glaciers, maintained by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, University of Iceland, and other key institutions. It offers access to glacier measurements, research updates, and historical data, integrating observations from scientists, agencies, and volunteers. The portal follows international standards for glaciological databases and is supported by the Icelandic Climate Fund and other partners. By documenting glacier changes, it plays a crucial role in monitoring and understanding Iceland’s evolving ice landscapes. To visit the Glacier Web Portal click here.
Source: IYGP, Jöklavefsjá
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