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Panel Discussion
Climate and Environmental Risks & Action Area: Cryosphere and Water
Room X1, UNESCO HQ ,Paris | Virtual participation available (link below)
21 March 2025
Organiser: IYGP Task Force 2 on International Conference, Regional Workshop and Training, supported by ICIMOD and Polar Hub
Glaciers are considered the ‘climate sentinels’ of the mountains because they are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation. Their retreat or advance provides clear evidence of long-term climate trends. These changes disrupt water availability, threaten livelihoods, and pose risks to downstream infrastructure and economies. Future projections indicate more frequent floods and landslides, along with increased uncertainty in seasonal water distribution, particularly impacting irrigated agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, and other water uses, thus threatening water, food, and energy security. While the effects of climate change on glaciers and water resources are documented, the consequences for mountain societies and ecosystems remain underexplored, necessitating greater scientific and policy attention.
The side event will provide scientific insights for discussion on action for glacier preservation and will include science, stories, and solutions from the mountain communities around the globe, highlighting the impact of rapid glacier melt. The discussion will also focus on identifying actionable pathways for the future.
Session title: Mountain voices: science, stories, and solutions
Moderators:
Introduction of session, speakers and panellists by moderators (5 min + 5 min buffer time)
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