The United Nations (UN) has chosen “Glacier Preservation” as its theme for World Water Day.
Safeguarding glaciers is crucial to the survival of human beings and the planet. In 2023 alone, it is estimated that glaciers lost over 600 billion tons of water, the greatest loss in 50 years.
The scientific evidence data is clear: melting glaciers are having a huge impact on a wide range of communities. According to the IPCC, global sea-level rise due to glacier melt is about 20 cm higher than in 1990. It’s easy to imagine the repercussions for people living close to the sea, and for those living in northern regions.
With this campaign, the UN aims to raise awareness and, above all, inspire collective action. The aim is to ensure that the preservation of glaciers is always taken into account in plans to combat climate change and the global water crisis.
Water-related disasters rank first in the list of catastrophes of the last 50 years. At the same time, data show that around half the world’s population faces severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.
Watch a report on the rapid melting of glaciers (3m video) and a BBC article on the subject.
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) adopted a position on water in 2008. In addition, the SNJM Water-Ecology Committee produces a newsletter that is always relevant to the theme of the day.