Melting Away: Why Climate Experts Warn Most Glaciers Won’t Survive This Century

Glaciers are critical to our planet, holding about 70% of the world’s freshwater. They also serve as telltale signs of climate change. In a stable climate, glaciers maintain their size. However, as temperatures rise and global warming accelerates, they are rapidly melting.

Last year, glaciers in areas like Scandinavia and the Svalbard archipelago experienced significant mass loss, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). To assess the health of glaciers, glaciologists measure the annual snow accumulation and melting rates, as noted by the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) at the University of Zurich.

In the Hindu Kush mountain range, known as the “third pole,” glacial loss poses a serious risk to over 120 million farmers who rely on this water source. This region spans from Afghanistan to Pakistan and is vital for many communities.

Sadly, the situation is dire. Five of the last six years have recorded the fastest glacier retreats, with the years from 2022 to 2024 marking the largest three-year loss on record. “We are seeing unprecedented changes in glaciers,” said Sulagna Mishra from WMO. Many glaciers may not recover from this rapid melting.

Since 1975, glaciers—excluding Greenland and Antarctica—have lost over 9,000 billion tonnes of mass. This loss equates to a massive ice block the size of Germany, 25 meters thick. On average, since 2000, the world has lost about 273 billion tonnes of ice each year, which is enough water for the entire global population for 30 years. Central Europe alone has lost nearly 40% of its glaciers. If current trends continue, we may lose all glaciers in the Alps by the end of the century.

The ramifications of glacial melt are severe. WGMS statistics show that 25-30% of sea-level rise is due to melting glaciers. Each millimeter of rise can displace hundreds of thousands of people annually, showcasing the deep impact of seemingly small changes.

“The numbers might look small, but they carry huge implications,” said WGMS director Michael Zemp. Flooding can devastate livelihoods and force communities to migrate, affecting everyone, as emphasized by Ms. Mishra.

We need urgent action. It’s crucial to raise awareness and develop effective policies to address these changes. “World Day for Glaciers” on March 21 serves to highlight their importance alongside World Water Day. In 2025, global leaders, scientists, and activists will gather at the UN to strengthen monitoring efforts regarding glacier changes.

Zemp, who also teaches glaciology, is preparing for a future that might lack glaciers. He believes it’s vital for children to witness these changes. “You’ll understand the burden we leave for the next generation,” he warned.

This year’s Glacier of the Year is the South Cascade Glacier in Washington State, continuously monitored since 1952. It represents years of dedicated research to track changes in glacier mass.

Our glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate. It’s a wake-up call to all of us. Action is essential to secure water resources for future generations. For more information on glaciers and climate change, check out resources from the [World Meteorological Organization](https://www.wmo.int) and [World Glacier Monitoring Service](https://www.wgms.ch).

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