UNESCO has reported a record loss of glaciers, with 9,000 gigatons of ice lost since 1975. The last three years marked the most significant ice mass depletion, posing risks of flooding and threatening freshwater systems. A summit in Paris aims to prompt coordinated global efforts for glacier preservation.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported alarming levels of glacier melt, indicating that the global ice mass has faced unprecedented losses. Recent data reveal that the last three years have experienced the highest recorded loss of ice. Michael Zemp, the head of the World Glacier Monitoring Service, highlighted a substantial reduction in glaciers, equating to 9,000 gigatons of ice lost since 1975, similar to a massive ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters.
Zemp noted that five out of the past six years have registered record losses. In 2024 alone, 450 gigatons of ice were lost, with future melting anticipated to increase across areas such as the Arctic, the Alps, South America, and the Tibetan Plateau as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change. This phenomenon of glacier retreat poses significant risks, including rising sea levels and the subsequent threat of flooding to millions, as well as jeopardizing vital freshwater sources that are essential for agriculture and hydropower for billions worldwide.
Currently, glaciers, along with the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, represent approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater reserves. UNESCO’s findings were released in anticipation of an upcoming summit in Paris, coinciding with the inaugural International Day of Glaciers. Officials at this summit will likely advocate for coordinated international measures aimed at preserving the remaining glacier systems for future generations.
In summary, the alarming report from UNESCO indicates a critical situation involving unprecedented glacier loss due to climate change. With significant ice mass depletion noted over the last few years and projections of further acceleration, immediate international action is urged to safeguard these crucial resources. Such efforts are vital not only for flood prevention but also for the sustainability of the planet’s freshwater reserves.
Original Source: shafaq.com
