Alongside modern social, economic, national, political, and moral changes that have acquired a global nature and are affecting the entire world community, environmental transformations are also becoming increasingly evident. Rising air temperatures, the melting of glaciers, the drying up of springs and rivers in populated areas, and other consequences of natural disasters are causing growing concern among the world’s population. These processes directly impact the well-being of humanity and pose a serious threat to global stability. Therefore, to preserve glaciers and maintain ecological balance across the planet, the international community and all countries must take effective and coordinated measures.
It is undeniable that water is essential for all living beings, particularly for human survival. Glaciers serve as the primary source of fresh water for many regions. However, over the past few decades, the rate of glacier melting has increased by 65%. According to research, 24,000 tons of glacial water flow into the world’s oceans every second due to climate change.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if current trends continue, by the end of the 21st century, global ice coverage will decrease dramatically, and glaciers in mountainous regions with smaller ice formations may completely disappear. In response, countries worldwide are working to mitigate this crisis, eliminate the primary causes of glacier melting, and implement important international initiatives.
To slow down the rapid melting of glaciers, ensure their conservation, and efficiently use them as a critical source of fresh water, it is crucial to address the root causes of their decline:
Global climate change – The primary factor behind glacier melting is the rise in Earth’s temperature. Since the Industrial Revolution, global temperatures have increased by 0.7°C, accelerating glacial retreat.
The burning of fossil fuels – The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to global warming. While glaciers absorb about 20% of solar heat, they reflect 80%. The reduction of glacial coverage disrupts this balance, causing further temperature increases.
Oil and gas extraction – Methane emissions from drilling operations have a greater impact on climate change than carbon dioxide, as methane traps heat more effectively, intensifying global warming. Uncontrolled emissions from industrial accidents and waste disposal further exacerbate the problem.
Deforestation – Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s ecological balance. Deforestation weakens the Earth’s natural cooling system. For example, studies in Mount Kilimanjaro revealed that deforestation near settlements is a major factor in glacial retreat, and if this trend continues, the mountain’s ice cover could disappear within decades.
Icebreaker ships – During the summer, icebreaker ships in the Arctic break through frozen waters, raising water temperatures and accelerating the melting process.
Waste landfills – Although their connection to glacier melting may not be immediately obvious, landfills are major sources of greenhouse gases. The release of methane from uncontrolled waste disposal contributes to climate change, further increasing temperatures and accelerating glacial melting.
Failure to address this global challenge could lead to severe consequences affecting the entire planet:
1.Rising global sea levels.
2.Decline of ocean industries.
3.Depletion of fresh water resources.
4.Extinction of plant and animal species.
5.Climate instability.
6.Displacement of wildlife habitats.
7.Increased risk of epidemics and diseases.
Additionally, glacial melting increases the likelihood of floods in various regions worldwide.
To prevent these devastating consequences, every country must take serious action and implement global initiatives, including:
– Raising public awareness and enhancing environmental education;
– Developing technologies to strengthen and preserve glaciers;
– Establishing international environmental organizations and projects to monitor climate change;
– Reaching intergovernmental agreements to regulate harmful emissions and reduce greenhouse gas effects;
– Promoting renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels;
– Training and educating glaciology experts in every country;
– Tajikistan’s Initiative on Glacier Protection.
To draw global attention to water and climate issues, as well as glacier conservation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, proposed declaring 2025 as the “International Year of Glacier Protection” during the first meeting of the Water and Climate Coalition Leaders in 2021. This initiative was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 2022, through a special resolution.
According to this resolution:
– 2025 is officially designated as the «International Year of Glacier Protection».
– Starting from 2025, March 21 will be observed annually as «World Glacier Day».
– Under the coordination of the UN Secretary-General, a Targeted International Trust Fund for Glacier Protection has been established.
– Additionally, on May 29–31, 2025, Tajikistan will host the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Protection in Dushanbe, where an international strategy, roadmap, and other key documents will be developed and approved.
With the support of the Government of Tajikistan, a new research institution – the Center for Glacier Studies – was established in 2018 under the National Academy of Sciences, as part of the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower, and Ecology. The center collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, and environmental partners to advance research and conservation efforts.
However, as President Emomali Rahmon emphasized, there is a critical shortage of glaciologists in Tajikistan. In his speech to the country’s scientific and educational community (May 30, 2024), he stated: «Since the establishment of the Center for Glacier Studies, not a single glaciology specialist has been recruited. Most of the center’s staff do not even have a related scientific background.»
Glaciology, the scientific study of glaciers, first emerged in Switzerland and is now taught in many countries, including Argentina, the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, Canada, and the United States. Therefore, Tajikistan must introduce glaciology into its academic curriculum, attract more students to this field, and train highly qualified experts.
In conclusion, climate change is not an issue confined to a single country—it affects all nations worldwide. The fight against glacier melting requires a collective international effort. The latest initiative of President Emomali Rahmon aims to promote environmental sustainability, protect water and ice resources, train high-level specialists, and improve the well-being of the global population.
Zaripova Zilola
Leading specialist оf the Department of Analysis
and Forecasting of Foreign Policy
оf the Center for Strategic Research under
the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
