Himalayan Glaciers Thaw at Alarming Rate, UN Chief Warns
New York, 16 May 2025 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding the accelerating melt of Himalayan glaciers, highlighting the profound implications for millions of people and the global climate system. The UN chief described the situation as being “on thin ice,” emphasizing the urgent need for concerted global action to address the escalating climate crisis.
In a recent address, Secretary-General Guterres painted a concerning picture of the Himalayan region, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast ice reserves, second only to the Arctic and Antarctic. Scientific evidence unequivocally points to these glaciers shrinking at an unprecedented rate, a phenomenon directly linked to rising global temperatures driven by human activities.
The implications of this rapid melt are far-reaching and multifaceted. For the approximately 2 billion people living in Asia who depend on the glacial meltwater for their freshwater supply, the consequences could be devastating. Rivers fed by the Himalayas, including the Ganges, Indus, Yangtze, and Mekong, are crucial sources of drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and hydropower. A diminished supply of meltwater threatens to exacerbate water scarcity, leading to food insecurity and potential conflict in already vulnerable regions.
Furthermore, the melting of these massive ice sheets contributes significantly to sea-level rise, posing a direct threat to coastal communities worldwide. The increase in global temperatures is not only melting the glaciers but also accelerating the expansion of ocean water, creating a double-edged sword for low-lying areas.
Secretary-General Guterres underscored the interconnectedness of the climate crisis, emphasizing that the fate of the Himalayas is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the entire planet. He reiterated the critical need for all nations to accelerate their efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. This includes a swift transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources and the implementation of sustainable practices across all sectors.
The UN chief also called for enhanced international cooperation to support adaptation and resilience-building efforts in countries most affected by climate change. This includes providing financial and technological assistance to help communities cope with the impacts of glacier melt and other climate-related challenges.
The alarming findings from the UN serve as a critical reminder that the window for meaningful action to avert the most catastrophic consequences of climate change is rapidly closing. The message from the Himalayas is clear: the time for decisive and collective action is now, before the “Third Pole” melts away, leaving behind an irreparable legacy for generations to come.
‘On thin ice’: UN chief sounds alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt
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