Glaciers

A glacier is a large accumulation of mainly ice and snow, that originates on land and flows slowly through the influence of its own weight. Glaciers are found on every continent. They exist in many mountain regions and around the edges of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. There are more than 275 000 glaciers in the world, covering an area of around 700 000 km². Glaciers are considered as important water towers,  storing about 170 000 km3 of ice, which amounts to approximately 70 percent of the global freshwater. Glaciers are a source of life, providing freshwater to people, animals and plants alike.

Glaciers have been steadily retreating worldwide since the mid-19th century due to climate change, with profound implications for both mountain and lowland communities. This loss threatens critical freshwater supplies, disrupts the livelihoods of mountain communities, increases the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, and jeopardizes the cultural and spiritual heritage deeply tied to glaciers. Additionally, shrinking glaciers negatively impact mountain tourism, a vital source of income for many communities.

Climate change is causing more than 600 glaciers to disappear, resulting in springs and rivers drying up. Greater frequency of extreme weather events, droughts and floods, including flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), are also expected to increase in mountains, causing imbalance between current water supply and demand.
Addressing these challenges requires urgent action. Enhanced data collection and monitoring are essential for understanding glacier trends and developing effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Involving youth in decision-making and policy formulation is equally critical to fostering innovative solutions and ensuring inclusive approaches. Furthermore, it is vital to begin reimagining and planning for the sustainable management of post-glacial landscapes and ecosystems to support resilience in mountain regions.