2025 designated Year of International Glacier Preservation

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the Year of International Glacier Preservation. This decision highlights the urgent need to protect glaciers, which are disappearing due to climate change. Mountaineering expert Andrea Milani shared a troubling incident from July 2022, when a large piece of the Marmolada glacier in Italy broke off, causing an avalanche that tragically killed 11 climbers. He warns that rising temperatures make glacier travel increasingly dangerous, as snow that hides crevasses becomes less reliable. Research indicates that one-third of the world's glaciers could vanish by 2050, with the Marmolada glacier expected to disappear by 2040. To address this crisis, the UN has partnered with UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization to promote awareness and action on glacier preservation, including the first World Day for Glaciers on March 21, 2025. Patrick Gonzalez, a former climate scientist, notes that melting glaciers have already raised global sea levels by eight centimeters since 1900. This ongoing loss has significant implications, potentially submerging entire cities and threatening freshwater sources for billions of people. Despite these challenges, many glaciers remain accessible for visitors. For example, the Columbia Icefield in Canada offers tours and sights like the Athabasca Glacier. Visitors are advised to go with experienced guides to navigate safely and be aware of hidden dangers like crevasses. In Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier can be visited from Juneau, though accessing its ice caves has become unsafe due to excessive melting. In Italy, the Marmolada glacier provides guided mountaineering experiences, but safety precautions are crucial. Chamonix's Mer de Glace in France is another popular destination. A new gondola allows visitors to easily reach the glacier, which has been shrinking significantly in recent years. The glacier continues to move, requiring ongoing maintenance of visitor facilities. Travelers are encouraged to visit these natural wonders with care, as witnessing glaciers can inspire action against climate change. By choosing sustainable travel options, people can contribute to the global effort to protect these crucial ice formations.