The swift decline of the world’s glaciers is a critical issue, with five of the past six years witnessing unprecedented retreats. The first World Day for Glaciers on March 21 underscored the urgency of this environmental crisis. A recent report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) revealed that glaciers faced their most significant mass loss from 2022 to 2024, raising concerns about potential water shortages, rising sea levels, and increased natural disasters. Experts warn that many glaciers, once considered “eternal ice,” may not survive the 21st century .Glaciers serve as essential “water towers,” storing fresh water that sustains millions, particularly in mountainous areas. Their decline threatens the water supply for hundreds of millions reliant on glacier-fed rivers, especially during dry spells. While initial meltwater may boost river flows, the long-term consequences are severe, as these crucial freshwater sources are likely to diminish or disappear entirely. Since 1975, glaciers worldwide have lost over 9,000 billion tons of ice, equivalent to a 25-meter-thick ice sheet covering Germany.
The hydrological year of 2024 marked the third consecutive year in which all 19 monitored glacier regions reported net ice loss. Michael Zemp, Director of WGMS, highlighted the unprecedented scale of glacier loss, stating that we are witnessing significant ecosystem changes. He cautioned that if current trends persist, glaciers in regions such as Western Canada, the USA, Scandinavia, Central Europe, the Caucasus, New Zealand, and tropical areas may not endure this century. Glacier melt has become the second-largest contributor to global sea-level rise, following ocean warming, with glaciers losing 5% of their remaining ice from 2000 to 2023, and Central Europe experiencing nearly 40% of its glacial loss.In response to the pressing need for action, the United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.
This initiative, which has garnered support from UNESCO, the World Meteorological Organization, and more than 200 organizations across 35 nations, seeks to enhance public understanding of the vital functions glaciers serve in the climate system and their importance as a source of freshwater.To commemorate this significant year, the World Glacier Monitoring Service has established the Glacier of the Year award, with the South Cascade Glacier in Washington, USA, being honored as the inaugural recipient. This glacier has been under continuous observation since 1952, offering one of the most extensive records of glacier mass balance in the Western Hemisphere.One individual remarked, “This initiative transcends mere landscape preservation; it is about protecting livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems. Although glaciers may appear remote, their disappearance will have global repercussions.”
