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Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, alongside glaciers worldwide, contain approximately 70 percent of the planet’s fresh water. They serve as crucial indicators of climate stability, typically maintaining consistent sizes during periods of climatic balance.
However, escalating temperatures as a result of human-induced climate change are leading to rapid melting of these glaciers, a trend that Sulagna Mishra, a scientific officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), describes as unprecedented.
Impact on Millions
Recent findings indicate that glaciers in regions such as Scandinavia, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, and parts of North Asia have suffered the largest annual mass loss on record last year. The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) at the University of Zurich measures glacier health by assessing annual snowfall and melt rates.
In the expansive Hindu Kush mountain range, which stretches from Afghanistan to Pakistan, over 120 million farmers rely on glacial water, rendering them vulnerable to the impacts of melting glaciers, according to Ms. Mishra. This mountain range, often referred to as the “third pole,” is vital due its water resource abundance.
Rapid and Possibly Irreversible Change
Even with significant freshwater resources, it may be too late to ensure their availability for future generations. The rate of glacier retreat has surged, with five of the last six years recording the most significant melting trends, as reported by the WMO.
The timeframe from 2022 to 2024 has marked the highest three-year loss documented. “We are witnessing an extraordinary transformation in glaciers, many of which may not return,” Ms. Mishra stated.
Massive Ice Losses
WGMS asserts that since 1975, glaciers (excluding those in Greenland and Antarctica) have lost more than 9,000 billion tonnes of mass. “This equates to an ice structure the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters,” described WGMS director Michael Zemp. Each year since 2000, an average of 273 billion tonnes of ice has been lost, according to new international research findings from a recent study.
To illustrate, that loss represents enough water to meet the needs of the worldwide population for three decades, Mr. Zemp emphasized. In central Europe, nearly 40 percent of the remaining glaciers have vanished. Should this trend persist, experts warn that “the glaciers in the Alps may not survive this century.”
Moreover, Ms. Mishra forewarned that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, by 2100, approximately 80 percent of small glaciers across Europe, East Africa, and Indonesia could be lost.
Consequences of Glacial Melt
The ramifications of glacial melt extend far beyond just water resources; they significantly impact economies, ecosystems, and communities. According to the WGMS, glacier melt accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of rising sea levels.
This steady melting is contributing to an annual sea level increase of approximately one millimeter, which, while seeming minor, translates to displacing 200,000 to 300,000 people each year. As Mr. Zemp pointed out, “a small number can have a massive impact.”
A Widespread Issue
The threat of flooding linked to glacial melt affects numerous communities, often forcing relocation. “When you ask how many people are touched, the answer is essentially everyone,” Ms. Mishra noted.
She urged that it is critical to promote awareness, develop effective policies, and mobilize resources for research that can aid in both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
World Day for Glaciers
In recognition of these pressing issues, the World Day for Glaciers on March 21 serves to enhance public understanding of how pivotal glaciers are within the climate framework. This date aligns with World Water Day.
On that day, global leaders, researchers, and advocates will convene at UN Headquarters in New York to underscore the significance of glaciers and push for improved global monitoring of cryospheric processes, including freezing and melting phenomena.
Mr. Zemp, who also lectures in glaciology at the University of Zurich, has begun to brace himself for a future where glaciers may no longer exist. “It is concerning to think about my children living in a world devoid of glaciers,” he expressed. “I highly encourage parents to take their children to witness these changes firsthand, as it underscores the heavy burden we are passing on to future generations.”
Celebrating Glaciers
This year’s Glacier of the Year 2025 is the South Cascade Glacier in Washington State, USA. This glacier has been under continuous observation since 1952, enabling scientists to gather one of the longest continuous records of glaciological measurements in the western hemisphere.
“South Cascade Glacier represents both the magnificence of glaciers and the unwavering dedication of the scientists and volunteers who have collected field data to track glacier mass changes for over sixty years,” noted Caitlyn Florentine from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Source
news.un.org