Glaciers are more than just frozen rivers of ice. They are the lifeline of our planet, the silent guardians of ecosystems, and the cornerstone of survival for billions. Yet, as we mark World Glacier Day on 21 March 2025, these icy giants are vanishing before our eyes, taking with them the stability of our climate, the security of our water, and the future of countless communities.
The numbers are staggering. Between 2000 and 2023, Earth's 215,000 glaciers have been losing ice at an alarming rate-273 gigatonnes annually. That's enough to fill 10 crore Olympic-sized swimming pools every year. This rate has surged by 36% recently, meaning glaciers are now melting faster than the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets combined.
This isn't just an environmental crisis – it's a direct threat to our way of life. Glaciers contribute significantly to rising sea levels, responsible for 21% of the total observed rise since the 1990s.. To put this into perspective, glaciers alone have already raised global sea levels by a height equivalent to one-third of Kathmandu's iconic Dharahara tower that is standing 236 feet tall. As the melt continues, cities like Mumbai, Bangkok, and even parts of New York could face catastrophic flooding.
Closer to our home, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), known as the "Third Pole," is melting 65% higher than in previous decades. That is like losing an area of ice the size of 15 lakh anna land every year. These glaciers feed ten major rivers, including the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which supply water to 150 crore people across South Asia. When glaciers retreat, they leave behind more than just barren rock. They trigger a cascade of consequences: unstable slopes, invasive species, and expanding pro-glacial lakes that threaten deadly floods.
Consider the scenario of living in Kathmandu's New Road, and waking up to a flood that reaches Lalitpur in minutes. That is what glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) looks like a sudden, devastating release of water from a swollen glacial lake. Almost 10 lakh people in our region live within 10 kilometres of such lakes. The floods that hit Nepal in 2024, which killed 224 people, displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction are a grim preview of what's to come. Scientists predict that GLOFs will triple in the coming decades, putting even more lives at risk.
For communities in the Himalaya, glaciers are not just frozen water; they are cultural icons, sources of identity, and the foundation of livelihoods. In the HKH, glaciers support unique ecosystems, from microbial communities in glacial lakes to endemic plants and animals adapted to high-altitude microclimates. As glaciers retreat, these ecosystems face irreversible damage, threatening biodiversity and the services they provide.
The urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 as the warmest year on record, with global temperatures reaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While this doesn't mean we've breached the Paris Agreement's long-term goals, it underscores a critical truth: every fraction of a degree matters. For glaciers, the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C could mean the loss of at least two-third of their mass by the end of the century. To give you an idea, think about how just a few degrees of temperature rise can turn a comfortable day in Terai region of Nepal into an unbearable heatwave. That small change in temperature can have a massive impact on glaciers, accelerating their melt and pushing us closer to irreversible damage.
This is why initiatives like the Sagarmatha Sambaad-A Global Dialogue, set to take place in Kathmandu from May 16-18, 2025, are so vital. This dialogue isn't just about discussions; it's about creating real-world solutions that will directly impact communities and ecosystems. By bringing together global leaders, scientists, and local voices, the Sambaad aims to drive actionable strategies to protect glaciers and the people who depend on them.
For you, the outcomes of this dialogue could mean stronger policies to combat climate change, better access to clean water, and improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions. It could also lead to increased funding for climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies that help communities adapt to a warming world. Most importantly, it's a step toward ensuring that those most affected by glacier loss-often communities with the smallest carbon footprints-receive the support and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Sagarmatha Sambaad is a reminder that the fate of glaciers is not just a mountain issue; it's a human issue. What happens in the Himalaya doesn't stay in the Himalaya-it affects the loved ones living down plains and abroad as well. From the water we drink to the food we grow, the stability of our climate, and the safety of our communities, the health of glaciers is deeply intertwined with our own survival.
So, what can we do? The answer lies in a dual approach that combines adaptation and mitigation. First, we must invest in building resilience for high-altitude communities. Early warning systems for GLOFs, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable watershed management are essential. Protected areas can help preserve biodiversity, while education and participatory planning can empower communities to adapt to changing conditions.
Second, we need global cooperation to reduce emissions and limit warming. The preservation of glaciers isn't just a regional issue; it's a global imperative. Glaciers are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change, and their rapid decline is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.
As we look to the future, the fate of glaciers is inextricably linked to our own. They are not just frozen relics of the past; they are the beating heart of our planet's water systems. Their loss would be a tragedy not just for the communities that depend on them, but for all of humanity.
This World Glacier Day, let us remember that we are all downstream. The choices we make today will determine whether glaciers continue to flow, or whether they become a memory frozen in time. The time to act is now-before the ice runs out.
Dr. Neera Shrestha Pradhan is a Senior Water and Adaptation Specialist and the Coordinator for ICIMOD's work on Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks.