The United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, along with the establishment of World Day for Glaciers on March 21, underscores the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change to Earth’s cryosphere. Adopted in December 2022 by the UN General Assembly, the initiative aims to highlight the pivotal role of glaciers in maintaining global climate systems and hydrological cycles.
Importance of Glaciers
- Global Freshwater Storage: Glaciers and ice sheets store about 70% of the world’s freshwater, making them critical for water security.
- Cryosphere and Climate Regulation: Changes in the cryosphere directly influence global temperatures, sea levels, and weather patterns.
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Glacier-fed regions support biodiversity, including 330 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas and four global biodiversity hotspots.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) Region
The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Key facts include:
- Rapid Warming: The HKH cryosphere is warming at twice the global average rate, as noted by the International Cryosphere Initiative.
- Glacial Melt Dependency: Nearly 240 million people rely directly on glacial meltwater for livelihoods, agriculture, and drinking water.
- River Systems: The HKH region is the source of 10 major Asian river systems, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong, which sustain life across vast regions.
Global Glaciers Overview
- Glacier Distribution: There are over 275,000 glaciers worldwide, covering approximately 700,000 sq. km.
- Impact of Melting: Accelerating glacier melt contributes to rising sea levels and disrupts water availability, threatening ecosystems and human populations.
