INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF GLACIERS’ PRESERVATION

Glaciers play a major role in the climate system and the hydrological cycle. 68% of fresh water is trapped in snow, ice and glaciers, which together make up the Earth’s cryosphere. Global warming has led to melting and retreat of glaciers, which amass 2% of the Earth’s water, and rapid shrinking of the cryosphere, with severe impacts on the climate, the environment, the maintenance of human well-being and health and sustainable development. These have contributed to localised declines in agricultural yields, water scarcity and increased global mean sea level. The UN’s initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation aims to highlight the importance of glaciers for climate balance as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere. It underlines the urgent need to promote actions and sustainable measures towards preserving glaciers, including through transboundary cooperation, as well as integrated management at all levels.