Rapid glacier melt threatens global freshwater supplies, report warns

A new report from the United Nations warns that the rapid melting of glaciers is endangering the global ecosystem and billions of people who depend on freshwater. The World Water Development Report 2025, released by Unesco for World Water Day, states that 25 countries are experiencing high water stress each year. About four billion people face severe water scarcity at some point during the year. The report highlights that glaciers are under serious threat due to global warming, pollution, and human activities. If not managed properly, these water sources could lead to conflicts. It predicts that regions like the Hindu Kush and Himalayas may lose half of their glaciers by 2100. The Andes, a crucial water source for the Amazon, has already lost between 30% and 50% of its glaciers since the 1980s. Particularly affected are the Asia-Pacific alpine glaciers, which are melting at rates faster than the global average. This loss of water will significantly threaten food, energy, and water security in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region, which supports nearly two billion people. The agriculture sector is the largest user of water, taking 72% of total usage, with industry and domestic use following. However, climate change increases uncertainty around water availability, compounded by pollution and ecosystem degradation. The accumulation of black carbon on glaciers, caused by wildfires and dust storms, is speeding up their melting. The report warns of more erratic water flows and potential natural disasters if no action is taken. Threats like floods, landslides, and avalanches could severely impact communities, wildlife, and infrastructure. To address these challenges, the report calls for stronger adaptation measures and integrated water resource management. It urges regional collaboration to implement innovative solutions that enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. The establishment of the Third Pole Regional Climate Centre Network is highlighted as a positive step. Finally, the report emphasizes the need for collaboration with local communities and Indigenous Peoples to better manage water resources. It calls for mobilizing various funding sources to support water and infrastructure planning to combat the ongoing crisis.