Beyond the Ice: UN Deputy Chief Highlights Crucial Role of Glaciers in Human Livelihoods
New York, USA – May 30, 2025 – Glaciers, often viewed simply as vast reservoirs of frozen water, are in fact fundamental pillars supporting human livelihoods across the globe, a stark reality emphasized by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, in a recent address. Her powerful statement, “‘This is not just ice’,” underscores the critical, yet frequently overlooked, connection between these icy giants and the well-being of countless communities.
Delivered in a recent commentary on the escalating impacts of climate change, Ms. Mohammed’s words serve as a vital reminder that glaciers are far more than inert geological features. They are dynamic, life-sustaining systems intricately woven into the fabric of human societies, economies, and cultures.
The implications of glacial melt extend far beyond the immediate visual impact of shrinking ice fields. For millions of people, particularly in mountainous regions and downstream areas, glaciers act as crucial freshwater sources. They regulate river flows, providing water essential for agriculture, drinking water supplies, hydropower generation, and a diverse range of industries. As these natural water towers dwindle due to rising global temperatures, communities face increasingly precarious water security, impacting everything from food production to economic stability.
Furthermore, glaciers play a significant role in tourism and recreation, supporting economies through activities like skiing, mountaineering, and glacier trekking. The loss of these iconic landscapes not only diminishes natural beauty but also threatens jobs and livelihoods dependent on these industries.
The Deputy Secretary-General’s message also highlights the cultural and spiritual significance that glaciers hold for many indigenous communities. These icy landscapes are often imbued with deep historical and cultural meaning, forming an integral part of their heritage and identity. The erosion of glaciers represents a loss of this invaluable cultural patrimony.
Ms. Mohammed’s poignant assertion serves as a critical call to action, urging a deeper understanding of the multifaceted value of glaciers. It emphasizes that addressing climate change is not merely an environmental imperative but a fundamental necessity for safeguarding human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future for all. The world must recognize that “this is not just ice,” but a vital lifeline that demands urgent and concerted global action to protect and preserve.
‘This is not just ice’: Glaciers support human livelihoods, UN deputy chief says
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