International year of Glaciers: 2025

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP), aiming to spotlight the critical importance of glaciers and the urgent need to protect them amid accelerating climate change. This initiative is co-led by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and involves over 75 international organizations and 35 countries.


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🌍 Key Objectives of IYGP 2025

Raise Global Awareness: Highlight the vital role of glaciers in the climate system and hydrological cycle.

Advocate for Policy Change: Promote sustainable measures to preserve glaciers.

Facilitate Actionable Measures: Encourage research, data sharing, and international cooperation to mitigate glacier loss.



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📅 Major Events

Official Launch: Held on January 21, 2025, at WMO headquarters in Geneva.

World Day for Glaciers: Inaugurated on March 21, 2025, to be observed annually.

International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation: Scheduled for May 29 to June 1, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.



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⚠️ Alarming Trends

Recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of the world's glaciers are already committed to melting due to current climate conditions. If global temperatures rise by 2.7°C—the current trajectory—the loss could reach 75%, significantly threatening sea levels and affecting billions of people who rely on glaciers for freshwater and agriculture.


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🧊 Glaciers' Significance

Freshwater Reservoirs: Glaciers store about 70% of the world's freshwater.

Climate Indicators: They provide critical data on Earth's climate history.

Ecosystem Support: Glaciers sustain various ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Herr are some frequently asked questions:


❄️ 1. What is a glacier?

A glacier is a large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted layers of snow. Glaciers store about 70% of the world’s freshwater and are found in polar and high-mountain regions.


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🌡️ 2. Why are glaciers important?

Glaciers regulate Earth’s temperature, store freshwater, reflect sunlight (albedo effect), and support ecosystems. They also supply drinking water and irrigation to billions of people.


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🌍 3. What is causing glaciers to melt?

The primary cause is global warming due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Other factors include deforestation, black carbon (soot), and regional changes in precipitation patterns.


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🌊 4. How does glacier melt affect sea levels?

As glaciers melt, the water they release flows into oceans, causing sea levels to rise, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide.


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🌧️ 5. How does glacier loss affect freshwater supply?

In many regions, particularly in Asia and South America, glacier meltwater feeds rivers that supply drinking water, hydropower, and agriculture. Loss of glaciers could lead to seasonal water shortages.


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📉 6. Can glacier loss be reversed?

Not entirely. While local conservation efforts can slow glacier retreat, large-scale reversal requires global reductions in carbon emissions to stabilize temperatures.


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🛠️ 7. What can be done to conserve glaciers?

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Promote renewable energy

Conserve water and forests

Support glacier monitoring and research

Educate communities on climate change impacts



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🧊 8. What is the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) 2025?

It’s a UN initiative aimed at raising global awareness about glaciers' importance and promoting international action to preserve them amid climate change threats.


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📊 9. How are glaciers monitored?

Scientists use satellite imagery, drones, GPS, and ice core sampling to track changes in glacier size, thickness, and flow over time.


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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 10. What can individuals do to help?

Reduce carbon footprint (less car travel, more plant-based meals, energy-efficient habits)

Support environmental policies and organizations

Educate others about glacier and climate issues