UN: Global glacier loss threatens water security, ecosystems

A new report from the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) warns that glaciers in western Canada, the US, Scandinavia, and New Zealand are rapidly retreating and may not survive the 21st century.

This glacier loss, fueled by rising global temperatures, poses a significant risk to mountain communities and millions who depend on glacial meltwater, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Glaciers are a critical source of freshwater, with some of the world’s largest rivers, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze, relying on glacial runoff. However, as glaciers continue to melt, the resulting impact on water security is becoming increasingly concerning.

The latest data from the WMO and WGMS shows that glaciers have lost 9,000 billion tonnes of ice since 1975, contributing to a rise in sea levels by 25 mm. In 2024, for the third consecutive year, all glaciers worldwide experienced mass loss, with some regions, such as Scandinavia and North Asia, seeing their largest annual losses.

Experts emphasize that the rapid melting is linked to rising global temperatures, with 2024 being the warmest year on record. This accelerated glacier loss is already contributing to global sea-level rise and threatens the availability of freshwater, particularly in dry regions like Central Asia and the Andes, where glaciers provide essential water during the hottest months.

The impact extends beyond environmental concerns, with risks to food and energy security and disruptions to local ecosystems. Experts call for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve glacier monitoring systems to mitigate these effects.

The report coincides with the first World Day for Glaciers on March 21, 2025, marking a call for global action to preserve glaciers for future generations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev