World Day for Glaciers: Protecting Earth's 'cold storage'

Glaciers are essential to Earth's ecosystem. They serve as freshwater reservoirs, regulate sea levels and support biodiversity. More than 2 billion people rely on glaciers and seasonal snowmelt for drinking water, agriculture and hydropower.

Glaciers act as nature's water towers, storing about 70 percent of the world's freshwater. Their seasonal meltwater supports rivers, forests and farmlands.

However, rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier melt, and rapid glacier loss is already affecting communities worldwide.

Scientists warn that by 2050, one-third of the world's glaciers could disappear, severely impacting water security and ecosystems.

To address this crisis, the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) and established March 21 as World Day for Glaciers.

In addition, 2025-2034 has been declared the "Decade of Action for Cryospheric Science," aiming to raise global awareness of glaciers' critical role in climate and hydrological systems while tackling the urgent challenges posed by accelerated glacier melt.

China has made significant efforts to monitor and protect its glaciers. Currently, there are 48,571 glaciers in western China, covering a total area of 51,800 square kilometers, with an estimated ice volume of 4,300-4,700 cubic kilometers. These glaciers are mainly distributed in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, particularly in the Himalayas, Hengduan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains and Qilian Mountains. The Kunlun Mountains system has the highest number of glaciers, with 8,922 in total.

However, climate change is taking its toll. Over the past 50 years, glacier area in China's arid western regions has shrunk by 18 percent. By the end of this century, more than 70 percent of these glaciers may disappear, according to Wang Feiteng, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In response to the accelerating glacier retreat, China has taken various measures, with the most crucial being energy conservation and emission reduction.

Scientists are using satellite technology and on-site measurements to track glacier changes. In recent years, researchers have tested innovative methods like covering glaciers with reflective materials to slow down melting. In 2023, a trial on the Tianshan No. 1 glacier showed promising results in reducing ice loss.

Additionally, China has established several nature reserves focused on glacier conservation, such as the Qomolangma, Sanjiangyuan and Qilian Mountains national nature reserves. These protected areas help reduce direct human impact on glaciers.

International organizations are also intensifying glacier protection efforts. The IYGP will bring together experts and policymakers to promote conservation strategies. Governments are also investing in climate adaptation measures to mitigate the impact of glacier loss.

The Global Glacier Casualty List project was founded in 2024 through a collaboration between Rice University, the University of Iceland, the Iceland Glaciological Society, the World Glacier Monitoring Service and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

This project has identified 18 glaciers worldwide that are at risk of disappearing but hold significant scientific and socio-economic value. Among them, China's Dagu Glacier has been selected as the only representative from the country.

"Artificial intelligence (AI) has enormous potential in glacier monitoring, change prediction and disaster early warning," Wang added. AI has shown promising applications in predicting glacial lake floods, optimizing meltwater management and assessing avalanche risks. Scientists look forward to building a global intelligent glacier monitoring network to enable real-time tracking and data sharing. AI could also support green and low-carbon development, helping to slow glacier retreat and contribute to global ecological sustainability.

Protecting glaciers is crucial for future generations. Through global cooperation, scientific research and sustainable policies, these vital freshwater sources can be safeguarded.

Explore the majestic glaciers in China with CGTN Nature's film crew:

Lhegu Glacier in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region

Mingyong Glacier in southwest China's Yunnan Province

Muz Taw Glacier in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Dagu Glacier in southwest China's Sichuan Province

A CGTN Environmental Documentary: The Call of Glaciers

(Cover: VCG)