UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP), emphasizing the urgency of addressing glacier retreat and its global implications. The initiative was officially launched on January 21, aiming to protect Earth’s “water towers” essential sources of freshwater for over 2 billion people.
The declaration follows a UN General Assembly resolution from December 2022, marking March 21 as World Day for Glaciers annually. With glaciers covering 700,000 square kilometers and storing 70% of the world’s freshwater, their rapid melting poses severe threats such as water scarcity, rising sea levels, and ecosystem collapse.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the severity of the crisis “In 2023, glaciers suffered the largest mass loss in five decades. This year must serve as a global wake-up call.”
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called glaciers “guardians of our planet’s climate history” and urged swift action to preserve them.
Key Goals and Activities
The IYGP initiative, supported by 75 international organizations and 35 countries, will focus on:
- Expanding global glacier monitoring and data systems.
- Developing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards.
- Promoting sustainable water resource management.
- Preserving cultural heritage linked to glaciers.
- Engaging youth in climate action.
UNESCO has also released new materials, including a brochure on resilience-building and a special edition of the UNESCO Courier, to spotlight glacier-related challenges and solutions.
Glaciers act as natural freshwater reservoirs, releasing water during dry periods. Their retreat threatens the livelihoods of billions, particularly in regions like the Himalayas and Andes. John Pomeroy, co-chair of the IYGP Advisory Board, warned:
“As glaciers retreat, we face risks like glacier lake outburst floods, snow droughts, and rising sea levels impacting agriculture, energy, ecosystems, and drinking water.”
Beyond their ecological role, glaciers hold spiritual significance for Indigenous communities and preserve invaluable records of Earth’s climatic history. Their loss jeopardizes both cultural heritage and scientific research.
The IYGP underscores the need for urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and effective adaptation strategies. WMO reports have consistently warned of the cascading effects of glacier retreat on water resources, economies, and biodiversity.
Tajikistan’s Bahodur Sheralizoda urged collective action “This initiative must inspire policies to protect these invaluable resources for future generations.”
Youth and Community Engagement
The IYGP will feature educational programs and interactive exhibits, showcasing the dramatic transformation of glaciers and stories from affected communities. These efforts aim to galvanize global action to preserve the cryosphere and build resilience against climate change impacts.
This year-long campaign serves as a critical reminder of glaciers’ vital role in sustaining life on Earth and the collective responsibility to protect them.