2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation

2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation is a United Nations initiative that raises global awareness about the critical role of glaciers in regulating climate and providing freshwater to billions of people. Designated by the UN for 2025, the initiative also established March 21 as the annual World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.

Coordinated by UNESCO and WMO, the program highlights economic, social, and environmental impacts of accelerated glacier retreat driven by climate change. Organizations may participate by joining task forces, sharing content, or partnering with the initiative. The program is open to organizations and individuals worldwide seeking to advance glacier science, policy, and public awareness.

2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation | International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation Glaciers are crucial for regulating the global climate and providing freshwater, essential for billions of people. However, due to climate change, driven mainly by human activities since the 1800s, these vital resources are rapidly melting.

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation to highlight the importance of glaciers and ensure that those relying on them, and those affected by cryospheric processes, receive the necessary hydrological, meteorological, and climate services. These efforts underscore the critical role mountain regions play as a key source of global freshwater and ecosystem services.

Introducing the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) 2025 The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, accompanied by the proclamation of the 21 st March of each year as the World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.

This is an opportunity to raise global awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the hydrological cycle, and the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere. Discover more about the celebrations of the World Day for Glaciers and how you can join the events.

Discover more about the official launch of the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and how you can contribute. Glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, reshaping landscapes globally. UNESCO and WMO have issued key messages emphasizing glaciers' importance.

This exhibition aims to raise awareness on the impacts of climate change on mountains and glaciers, and how these changes affect water and food security. Teaser video now available! Worldwide Impact of the Melting Cryosphere Addressing the impacts of a melting cryosphere is a global imperative, requiring international cooperation, research, and robust climate action to protect vulnerable regions like Guyana and beyond.

Discover the many partners supporting the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. Join our Task Forces to implement key activities. Find the latest news, events and stories related to the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025.

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You can join us in the implementation of the International Year of Glaciers’ preservation Launch of the 1st World Day for Glaciers and pivot event World Water Day in New York Celebrations of the 1st World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day in Paris 20 March 2025 - 21 March 2025 Launch of the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation Why glaciers matter: Addressing climate impacts in the cryosphere through science-based interventions Call for expressions of interest: Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034) governing structures Call for expressions of interest: World Day for Glaciers 2026 Press release: Glacier melt will unleash avalanche of cascading impacts Special session on Glaciers for journalists Discover more news and events from our partner network