World Day for Glaciers – (21st March)

On March 21, 2025, a high-level event at the United Nations headquarters in New York will mark the joint celebration of the inaugural World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day. This special event is part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 and will bring together world leaders, scientists, policymakers, and civil society to address the critical issue of glacier preservation, water security, and climate change.

The event will emphasize the theme “Glaciers’ Preservation,” focusing on the interconnected challenges glaciers face due to climate change and their essential role in providing water for billions of people globally. Alongside the event, a global campaign will highlight the impacts of glacier changes on downstream communities and ecosystems, stressing the need for sustainable water management strategies and urgent climate action.

Key Points

Key Detail	Description
Date	March 21, 2025
Event Location	United Nations Headquarters, New York
Theme	“Glaciers’ Preservation”
Purpose	Raise awareness about glaciers’ role in water supply, biodiversity, and climate regulation, while highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.
Event Participants	Global leaders, scientists, policymakers, UN representatives, civil society organizations.
Global Focus	Glacier protection, water security, and sustainable water management practices.
Key Message	The melting of glaciers is accelerating due to climate change, threatening freshwater resources for billions.
Suggested HasTags	#WorldDayForGlaciers #GlacierPreservation #ClimateAction #WaterSecurity #SaveOurGlaciers

Why Is World Day for Glaciers Important?

1. Glaciers and Freshwater:
   • Glaciers store around 70% of Earth’s freshwater. They are crucial to the water supply, especially in arid and high-altitude regions, providing water for agriculture, drinking, and energy generation.
2. Impact of Melting Glaciers:
   • Rising temperatures due to climate change are causing glaciers to melt at unprecedented rates, leading to higher sea levels, disrupted weather patterns, and water scarcity for millions of people worldwide.
3. Ecological and Economic Importance:
   • Glaciers support biodiversity by nourishing ecosystems, regulating the Earth’s temperature, and contributing to vital nutrient cycles in oceans. They also help generate hydroelectric energy in regions like Norway, Canada, and New Zealand.

Impact of Glacier Melting

1. Water Supply Threat:
   • Glacial meltwater is crucial for river systems, particularly in regions like the Hindu Kush Himalayas and Andes. Melting glaciers directly affect water supply for millions of people, especially in dry seasons.
2. Sea Level Rise:
   • As glaciers melt, sea levels rise, which can lead to coastal flooding and erosion. If all glaciers melt, global sea levels could rise by more than 60 meters (195 feet), submerging vast areas.
3. Biodiversity Loss:
   • Melting ice impacts wildlife adapted to cold ecosystems, such as polar bears in the Arctic and snow leopards in the Himalayas. These animals face increasing risks due to habitat loss.

Proposed Actions for Glacier Preservation

1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   • Addressing the root cause of glacier melting, global efforts to reduce carbon emissions are essential. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable environmental practices.
2. Research & Monitoring:
   • Strengthen global monitoring systems to track the health of glaciers and gather crucial data to inform climate policies. This includes both scientific research and incorporating indigenous knowledge.
3. Global Awareness Campaigns:
   • Launching education campaigns and engaging with global communities, especially youth, to increase public understanding of the importance of glaciers and the consequences of their loss.
4. Policy Advocacy:
   • Advocate for the inclusion of glacier preservation in national climate action plans, disaster risk reduction frameworks, and water management policies.

The Hindu Kush Himalayas: A Critical “Water Tower”

• Known as the “Third Pole” due to its vast ice and snow coverage, this mountain range is a vital water source for 12 major river basins in Asia.
• It provides freshwater for 1.65 billion people downstream, and its glaciers are crucial for the livelihood and water security of 240 million people in the region.

Key Activities for Glaciers’ Preservation

1. Global Outreach Campaigns:
   Launch media campaigns to raise awareness about glaciers and their vital role in sustaining life and ecosystems.
2. International Conferences & Collaborations:
   Organize conferences, such as IWC11 and Tajikistan’s 2025 summit, focusing on innovative approaches for glacier preservation.
3. Research & Monitoring:
   Enhance global data systems and integrate indigenous knowledge to improve glacier monitoring and decision-making.
4. Policy Advocacy:
   Push for the inclusion of glacier preservation in climate policies, water management frameworks, and Disaster Risk Reduction strategies.

What Can We Do to Help?

• Learn More: Understand the role glaciers play in water security, biodiversity, and climate regulation.
• Support Climate Action: Advocate for policies that promote climate change mitigation, including efforts to protect glaciers and reduce carbon emissions.
• Raise Awareness: Share information about the importance of glaciers and their preservation, especially during World Day for Glaciers.

World Day for Glaciers on March 21st, starting in 2025, will be a critical moment to shine a global spotlight on the essential role glaciers play in sustaining life on Earth and the need for immediate action to protect them in the face of climate change. The event will encourage cooperation and action at the highest levels to ensure the preservation of these vital resources for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Day for Glaciers: