World Day for Glaciers aims to raise global awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the hydrological cycle, and the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere, as well as to share best practices and knowledge in this regard and in addressing issues related to accelerated melting of glaciers and its consequences.
Glaciers are nature’s frozen sentinels, vast rivers of ice and snow that carve the Earth, silently bearing witness to the passage of time and the shifting rhythms of our planet. They are essential to Earth’s ecosystem, acting as critical freshwater reservoirs and indicators of the planet’s health. They provide water for millions of people, regulate sea levels, and support biodiversity. Yet, these frozen giants are under threat. Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to retreat at an alarming rate, leading to water scarcity, rising sea levels, and increasing the chances of natural disasters like floods or landslides. These cascading changes jeopardize ecosystems, human livelihoods, and economies around the world. To address this urgent challenge, ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is essential. The first World Day for Glaciers, declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the Year of Glaciers 2025, encourage us all to act to preserve the vital role of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth for generations to come.
Links:
World Day for Glaciers
Vanishing glaciers
#WorldWaterDay / #WereldWaterDag / UN #WorldWaterReport – release 2025
