UNESCO reports record global glacier melt, with significant losses since 1975. Michael Zemp highlights a staggering 9,000 gigatons of ice lost, impacting freshwater resources and sea levels. The trend is expected to continue, with urgent action needed to preserve remaining glaciers, as emphasized by an upcoming UNESCO summit for the first International Day of Glaciers.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported alarming levels of global glacier melt, which have reached unprecedented heights over the past three years. Michael Zemp, the head of the World Glacier Monitoring Service, revealed at a press conference that since 1975, glaciers have lost approximately 9,000 gigatons of ice, which is comparable to an immense ice block the size of Germany and 25 meters thick.
Moreover, Zemp noted that five of the last six years have witnessed record ice losses, with a staggering 450 gigatons lost in 2024 alone. The acceleration of melting glaciers is anticipated to extend further into regions such as the Arctic, the Alps, South America, and the Tibetan Plateau, driven by the rise in global temperatures due to climate change.
The retreat of glaciers contributes significantly to rising sea levels, poses increased flooding risks for millions, and jeopardizes freshwater systems essential for agriculture and hydropower, affecting billions globally. Glaciers and ice sheets from Greenland and Antarctica together provide around 70% of the world’s freshwater resources.
These critical findings were disseminated prior to a UNESCO summit in Paris, which is set to commemorate the inaugural International Day of Glaciers. Officials are expected to advocate for coordinated international efforts aimed at preserving the remaining glacier systems, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
In conclusion, the loss of glaciers at an unprecedented rate poses dire consequences for global freshwater resources, sea levels, and climate stability. Urgent international action is necessary to address these challenges, particularly as melting glaciers threaten millions’ lives and the environment. The upcoming UNESCO summit aims to galvanize efforts to protect these vital ecosystems, highlighting the importance of concerted global action against climate change.
Original Source: shafaq.com
