Glaciers: Earth's Frozen Reservoirs Under Threat
Mountains are vital sources of freshwater, supporting ecosystems and communities from high-altitude regions to densely populated downstream areas. According to the United Nations, about 70 percent of the Earth's freshwater is stored in frozen form, including glaciers and ice sheets. Their accelerated melt – five of the past six years have marked record retreat – signals an escalating climate emergency.
Mounting Risks for Communities and Ecosystems
From the Himalayas to the Andes, melting ice is straining water supplies for billions of people. As seasonal flows become more erratic, communities face:
- Freshwater scarcity: Reduced summer runoff undermines drinking water and irrigation
- Energy challenges: Declining hydropower output during dry seasons
- Biodiversity loss: Alpine species losing critical habitats
- Disaster risk: Increased glacial lake outburst floods
Global Action and the Road Ahead
This year, governments, businesses, and civil society have ramped up efforts, calling for:
- Accelerated emissions cuts to curb warming
- Investments in resilient water infrastructure and storage
- Support for communities adapting to shifting water cycles
- Enhanced international cooperation on shared river basins
Protecting glaciers is essential to safeguard freshwater for generations to come. Collective action, from policy changes to grassroots advocacy, will determine the fate of these vital ice reserves.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
