The world’s glaciers are losing record amounts of ice as global temperatures rise, according to a UNESCO report. Since 1975, glaciers have lost approximately 9,000 gigatons of ice, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters.
This dramatic ice loss is expected to accelerate as climate change caused by burning fossil fuels pushes global temperatures higher. The consequences will be severe, exacerbating economic, environmental, and social problems globally. Sea levels are rising, and water sources are dwindling, putting millions at risk of devastating floods and damaging water routes that billions of people depend on for hydroelectric energy and agriculture.
The report coincides with a UNESCO summit in Paris marking the first World Day for Glaciers, urging global action to protect glaciers worldwide. Experts warn that mountain glaciers are one of the largest contributors to sea level rise, putting millions at risk.
Indigenous communities, such as those in Africa, face spiritual and practical challenges from glacier loss. A recent study found that 275,000 glaciers remain globally, but rising temperatures will worsen droughts and increase natural hazards like avalanches and flash floods.
The consequences of glacier loss are far-reaching, affecting not only local communities but also global water supplies. The World Glacier Monitoring Service estimates that every millimeter of sea level rise can expose up to 300,000 people to annual flooding. It is essential for billions of people to protect glaciers worldwide to mitigate the effects of climate change.
As one glaciologist noted, “Billions of people are connected to glaciers, whether they know it or not, and that will require billions of people to protect them.” The world needs to advance scientific knowledge, observing systems, forecasts, and early warning systems to address this critical issue.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-glaciers-are-losing-record-ice-global-temperatures-climb-un-says-2025-03-21