Latest news with #WorldDayforGlaciers
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan won't let India cross water treaty red line: PM
DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday warned that Pakistan would not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains, outrightly rejecting weaponization of water. Addressing the three-day high-level international conference on Glaciers' Preservation being held in Dushanbe from May 29-31, 2025, Shehbaz Sharif said 'Delhi's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable. Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains, and Pakistan will not allow this. We will never allow the red line to be crossed.' Shehbaz Sharif warned that there are 13,000 glaciers in Pakistan and they are fast melting due to climate change. 'Pakistan gets half of its water from these glaciers and Sindh River is its lifeline,' he added. Apprising the participants about the impacts of climate change on Pakistan, the prime minister reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and glacier conservation. The international conference is being attended by over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organizations, including prime ministers, vice-presidents, ministers, and UN assistant secretaries-general. In his comprehensive address, Shehbaz Sharif touched all the relevant issues, including glacial preservation, Pakistan's climate vulnerability, 2022 floods in Pakistan, global climate action and responsibility, scientific projections on glacial melt, weaponization of water and call to protect nature and humanity's shared destiny. 'The world today bears fresh scars from the use of conventional weapons in Gaza that have left deep wounds. As if that were not enough, we are now witnessing an alarming new low—the weaponization of water,' he told the international conference being hosted by Government of Tajikistan in collaboration with the United Nations, UNESCO, WMO, the Asian Development Bank, and other key partners as a historic moment for climate ambition, glacier preservation, and international cooperation. The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, through a resolution, had declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, 21st of March as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025, and that the Government of Tajikistan will host the International Conference on the subject in 2025.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Won't allow India to cross IWT red line: PM
Rejecting the weaponisation of water, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday warned that Pakistan would not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains. "India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable. Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains, and Pakistan will not allow this. We will never allow the red line to be crossed," the prime minister said, addressing the three-day High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation. The conference is being attended by over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organizations, including prime ministers, vice presidents, ministers, and UN assistant secretaries-general. The prime minister, in his comprehensive address, touched all the relevant issues, including glacial preservation, Pakistan's climate vulnerability, the 2022 floods in Pakistan, global climate action and responsibility, scientific projections on glacial melt, weaponisation of water and call to protect nature and humanity's shared destiny. "The world today bears fresh scars from the use of conventional weapons in Gaza that have left deep wounds. As if that were not enough, we are now witnessing an alarming new lowthe weaponisation of water," he told the international conference being hosted by the Government of Tajikistan in collaboration with the United Nations, UNESCO, WMO, the Asian Development Bank, and other key partners as a historic moment for climate ambition, glacier preservation, and international cooperation. The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, through a resolution, had declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, 21st of March as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025, and that the Government of Tajikistan will host the International Conference on the subject in 2025. The prime minister said that Pakistan, being home to over 13,000 glaciers, was the most concerning as glaciers contributed nearly half of the annual flows in the Indus River system – the lifeline of our civilisation, culture and economy.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists issue dire warning as conditions shift at remote 'blue ice' glacier: 'It's the last chance for humanity'
The Guardian recently spoke with scientists about the concerning signs that some of Antarctica's large glaciers may have entered a phase of irreversible melting. Researchers warn that the region could be facing a crucial tipping point. Scientists who have been monitoring the Union Glacier in Antarctica say the overheating of our planet could be speeding up concerning changes on this "blue ice" glacier and others, so called for the colorful core of ice being exposed by powerful winds. As the Guardian reported in late April, rising atmopsheric and ocean temperatures have been driving unusually rapid and widespread glacier melt globally in recent years. Researchers are also interested in the impact of black carbon on the glacial surface. Typically covered in snow, glaciers reflect back a significant amount of sunlight. With white snow melting and with surfaces contaminated with black carbon due to human activity, more sunlight — and heat — can be absorbed, accelerating glacier loss, also referred to as "retreat." "Our human activities are accelerating the changes here because we are demanding more and more resources," Ricardo Jaña, a glaciologist at the Chilean Antarctic Institute (Inach) and research chief at the Union Glacier Joint Scientific Polar Station, told the Guardian. "It's the last chance for humanity to get it right." The data that researchers are collecting now regarding the Union Glacier's thickness and movement will be crucial in helping glaciologists track changes going forward. The very first World Day for Glaciers this past March 21 gave scientists and advocates the opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of accelerating glacier melt. "Five of the past six years have witnessed the most rapid glacier retreat on record. 2022-2024 witnessed the largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record," according to a March press release from the World Meteorological Organization. "In many regions, what used to be called glaciers' 'eternal ice' will not survive the 21st century." According to the Guardian, the WMO and other organizations have also said that if global temperature increases exceed 2°C, large portions of the Antarctic ice sheet "including the Union Glacier – may reach tipping points, resulting in irreversible retreat." As of 2024, all of Earth's 19 glacier regions have seen a net mass loss for three straight hydrological years, per the WMO release. How often do you feel hopeful about the future of the planet when you read news stories or watch entertainment content? Often Sometimes Rarely Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The melting of glaciers threatens vital freshwater resources that millions of people depend on. Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers also increase the risk of flooding and could dramatically alter coastlines, as large parcels of land are inundated by encroaching ocean waters. Other risks include shifts in ocean circulation and tectonic dynamics. The first World Day for Glaciers helped expert voices spread the word about the dangers of melting glaciers. We can all help raise awareness about the consequences of a warming world by exploring critical climate issues and talking about them with our friends and families. Supporting scientific monitoring efforts like the work Jaña is leading together with pro-environment policies is another important way the public can help. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers identify powerful new factor threatening coastlines worldwide: 'Now second largest contributor'
A new study reveals how much vanishing glaciers contribute to the rise of the world's sea level, as nearly 300 billion tons of ice are lost annually. Data from the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise, an international scientific community initiative, played a big part in an analysis published in Nature magazine that outlined the global glacier mass changes the planet experienced from 2000 to 2023. The study revealed that vanishing glaciers are "now the second largest contributor to sea level rise," per a report in Laboratory News. According to the World Glacier Monitoring Service, more than 9,000 billion tons of glacier ice have been lost since 1975, not including the ice melt from Greenland and Antarctica's continental sheets. This loss is equivalent to a colossal ice slab the size of Germany, standing more than 80 feet tall. The 2024 hydrological year continued the concerning trend, marking the third consecutive year of net mass loss across all 19 glacier regions. "Since 2000, glaciers have lost between 2% and 39% of their ice regionally and about 5% globally," according to the study. "Glacier mass loss is about 18% larger than the loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet and more than twice that from the Antarctic Ice Sheet." During the 24-year period ending in 2023, glacier melt meant just over a 0.7-inch rise in global sea level. The World Glacier Monitoring Service director, Professor Michael Zemp, speaking to the World Meteorological Organization, acknowledged that at first glance, that might not sound impressive, "but it has a big impact: every millimeter sea-level rise exposes an additional 200,000 to 300,000 people to annual flooding." The first-ever World Day for Glaciers was held on March 21 to raise awareness about the global impacts of accelerating glacier melt. Over the past six years, five have witnessed the most rapid glacier loss ever recorded. The World Meteorological Organization warns that glaciers in many regions of the world will not survive this century. Vanishing glaciers threaten water supplies for hundreds of millions of people on our planet. Researchers from Boston College found that glacier melting was happening at an even faster pace than previously thought. They warned that as melting increases, it will drive even faster melting in the future. Scientists are actively mapping our planet's glaciers because they play a key role in cooling our planet by reflecting solar radiation that the land on Earth would otherwise absorb. Shifting away from our reliance on dirty energy sources and moving toward renewable options is vital for curbing the amount of heat-trapping gases being released into Earth's atmosphere. Do you think America could ever go zero-waste? Never Not anytime soon Maybe in some states Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. There are things we can do to help when it comes time to consider making upgrades to our homes. Making choices like buying an induction stove rather than a conventional range, a heat pump instead of a conventional HVAC system, and an EV versus a gas-powered vehicle can have an impact. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Gulf Today
25-03-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Hindu Kush Himalayas facing severe glacier loss
The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) are facing a huge glacier loss, more than the global average, with mass loss 65% higher than previous decades. This is according to a new United Nations report released on the World Day for Glaciers, 21 March 2025. The report, 'The Urgent Need to Preserve Glaciers in a Warming World', highlights that globally, glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, with ice loss accelerating over the recent two decades. Within just 23 years starting year 2000, more than 215,000 glaciers have lost an annual average of 273gigatonnes of ice, with losses accelerating by 36% between 2012 and 2023 compared to the previous decade. Glaciers are now, in fact, losing more mass than the Greenland or Antarctic ice sheets. As per a 'Down to Earth' (DTE) analysis, the Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the highest mountains and most extensive glacier systems and is among the most vulnerable to climate change. Spanning five million km2 of high mountains, the region contains approximately 100,000 km2 of glaciers. Glaciers — moving masses of ice that are also considered freshwater reservoirs, the report points out, serve as vital components of climate and hydrological systems, sustaining ecosystems, agriculture and human populations. However, the Introduction to the report warns that climate change and other drivers have accelerated glacier melt, threatening water security, biodiversity and regional economies. It is crucial to recognize the environmental, social and economic significance of glaciers and the urgent need for cooperation for their preservation. The Introduction adds that glaciers hold around 69% of the world's freshwater and function as essential water towers that regulate river flows in major mountain regions such as the Himalayas, Andes and Alps. During dry seasons, glacial meltwater helps maintain agricultural activities, generate hydroelectric power and offers drinking water supplies. They also provide essential ecosystem services, shape unique habitats, support life in high-altitude regions, regulate local climates, support biodiversity resilience and hold cultural significance. After Earth's two poles, the report states, the HKH – the 'Third Pole' – holds the largest glacier concentration. Here, glaciers, life and livelihoods are closely intertwined. These glaciers feed 10 major rivers, including the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra, and support the livelihoods of over 1.5 billion people across South Asia. Glaciers and glacier lakes also host unique microbial communities, while high-altitude microclimates foster endemic plants, animals and specialized ecosystems such as peatlands. As ice retreats, new vegetation areas also emerge, potentially increasing primary productivity and species richness due to warmer temperatures. However, changes and glacial retreat pose serious biodiversity threats due to habitat loss/degradation, unstable slope development, altered water cycles and invasive species, often leading to ecosystem services and function declines. Apart from sea-level rise, melting glaciers are driving the rapid growth of glacial lakes. In just 28 years since 1990, these grew in volume by 48% and saw a number and area increase by more than 50%. This rapid expansion raises the threat of glacial lake outburst floods; a most perilous risk specially in High Mountain Asia, where approximately 1 million people reside within just 10 kilometres of a glacial lake. Moreover, projections also indicate that the frequency of such events could increase threefold in the coming decades, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness and mitigation efforts. The DTE analysis points out that how the report stresses that water governance in mountain regions is significantly weaker than in lowlands. The HKH lacks effective transboundary cooperation, with mutual distrust a key barrier to data sharing. The report spelled out six transboundary actions for the HKH region, according to the DTE analysis. First, cooperate at all levels for sustainable and mutual benefits. Second, recognize and prioritize the uniqueness of the people. Third, take concerted climate action at all levels to keep global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. Fourth, take accelerated actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and nine mountain priorities. Five, enhance ecosystem resilience, halt biodiversity loss and land degradation. Six, engage in regional data- and information-sharing, and science and knowledge cooperation. The report also recommended incentives for communities protecting watershed areas crucial for hydropower, drinking water and tourism, through payments for ecosystem services. Finally, it highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and support for mountain communities.
