Dushanbe Conference addresses global glacier loss and climate action commitments

The recent International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation held in Dushanbe has highlighted the urgent need for global action to address the alarming rate of glacier melt due to climate change. With glaciers holding up to 70% of the world's freshwater, their rapid disappearance poses significant threats to ecosystems, economies, and the livelihoods of millions.

During the conference, experts emphasized that since 1975, approximately 9,000 gigatons of freshwater have been lost, equivalent to the size of Germany and a height of 25 meters. In Switzerland alone, 10% of its glaciers vanished in just the last two years. This loss not only affects water availability but also increases the risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides, which can have devastating impacts on communities worldwide.

Melting glaciers are also a major contributor to rising sea levels. For every millimeter of sea level rise, an estimated 203 people face the threat of annual flooding. This interconnected issue underscores the necessity for a coordinated global response, as these challenges involve shared natural resources that transcend national borders.

The conference aimed to raise awareness about these critical issues and generate political momentum for action. A key outcome will be the adoption of a comprehensive declaration outlining actionable commitments and partnerships to combat glacier loss. This declaration is set to be presented at the UN General Assembly later this year, marking a significant step towards addressing the global crisis of glacier melt and its far-reaching consequences for communities around the world.