UN declares 2025 as International Year of glaciers' preservation
- March 21, 2025, marked the first World Day of Glaciers, focusing on awareness of glacier retreat.
- The government of Pakistan launched a Glacier Conservation Strategy to protect these vital ecosystems.
- The event underscores the urgency of climate action and the need to preserve glaciers as crucial freshwater resources.
On March 21, 2025, Pakistan observed the inaugural World Day of Glaciers, aiming to raise awareness regarding the state of glaciers worldwide amidst growing concerns over their rapid melting due to climate change. The event was marked by the launch of Pakistan's Glacier Conservation Strategy by the government, emphasizing the necessity for collective efforts to protect vital ecosystems that glaciers represent. Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating the global climate and serving as a key freshwater source for billions of people. Climate change, driven mainly by human activities since the 1800s, has led to unprecedented rates of glacier retreat, with significant implications for water, food, and energy security globally. This year's observance involved discussions around the impacts of glacial melting on water availability and disaster risks, highlighting that extreme weather events such as landslides and floods are becoming more common as a consequence of dwindling ice reserves. Overall, this event not only acknowledged the importance of glacier ecosystems but also reinforced the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate change and preserve these critical resources.