UN Report Warns of Glacier Melt Impact on Global Water Security

On March 21, 2025, the United Nations released the World Water Development Report 2025, titled "Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers," emphasizing the critical role of mountain regions and glaciers as primary freshwater sources for billions worldwide. The report underscores the accelerating threats posed by climate change and unsustainable human activities to these vital "water towers," calling for immediate global action to protect them.

Mountains and glaciers, often referred to as the world's "water towers," are essential for providing freshwater necessary for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, energy production, and maintaining environmental integrity. They store water in the form of ice and snow during colder seasons, releasing it during warmer periods to supply downstream communities and ecosystems. According to the report, approximately 55–60% of global annual freshwater flows originate from mountain regions, highlighting their indispensable role in global water security.

The report indicates that glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates due to climate change, leading to more unpredictable and extreme water cycles. This rapid glacial retreat intensifies natural disasters such as floods, droughts, landslides, and contributes to sea-level rise, posing severe risks to both human populations and natural ecosystems. Projections suggest that with a global temperature increase of 1.5°C to 4°C, between 26% and 41% of mountain glacier mass could be lost by 2100.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the dual role of water in addressing climate challenges, stating, "Water does not need to be a problem – it can be part of the solution. Water can support efforts to both mitigate and adapt to climate change." Gilbert F. Houngbo, Chair of UN-Water and President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, "If we are serious about limiting global temperature increases to below 2°C and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we must act immediately."

The degradation of mountain water sources threatens the water security of billions globally, potentially leading to increased competition for dwindling resources, heightened geopolitical tensions, and exacerbation of existing inequalities. Agriculture, which relies heavily on consistent freshwater supplies, faces significant challenges due to the unpredictability of water availability, potentially leading to food insecurity and economic instability in agrarian communities. Communities dependent on glacial meltwater may experience displacement due to water scarcity, leading to increased migration and associated social challenges.

The report outlines several strategies to address the challenges posed by the rapid melting of glaciers and the degradation of mountain water sources:

• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Implementing IWRM approaches to balance competing demands and ensure sustainable water use.

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adopting agricultural practices that enhance soil moisture retention and reduce water consumption.

• Wastewater Reuse: Utilizing treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources.

• Protection of Natural Buffers: Conserving ecosystems such as wetlands and mangroves that act as natural barriers against extreme weather events.

The Mountain Partnership Secretariat, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO, is leading efforts to advance sustainable mountain development and protect the world's "water towers." This includes initiatives like the Global Campaign for the International Year of Glaciers Preservation and the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions.

The UN World Water Development Report 2025 serves as a clarion call for immediate and concerted global action to protect mountain regions and glaciers. The preservation of these natural "water towers" is not only crucial for maintaining ecological balance but also for ensuring the water security and socio-economic stability of billions worldwide.