Glaciers worldwide are melting faster than ever, with the last three years seeing the largest mass loss on record, according to a UNESCO report.
Since 1975, glaciers have lost about 9 trillion tonnes of ice, which is roughly equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany, 25 meters thick.
The ice loss is accelerating due to climate change, which is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, and this will likely worsen global issues such as rising sea levels and shrinking water sources.
The past six years have seen five of the largest ice losses, with glaciers losing 450 billion tonnes in 2024 alone.
Mountain glaciers are contributing significantly to sea level rise, putting millions at risk of flooding and affecting crucial water resources for agriculture and hydroelectric energy.
Around 275,000 glaciers remain globally, holding about 70% of the world’s freshwater, alongside the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets.
About 1.1 billion people live in mountain communities that are directly impacted by glacier loss, facing increased natural hazards and unreliable water sources.
Some glaciers, such as those in the Rwenzori Mountains in Africa, may completely disappear by 2030, further complicating the lives of local communities.
The melting of glaciers in East Africa has led to increased local conflicts over water.
Melting glaciers impact billions of people, and protecting them will require global effort.
COMMENTS