Critical Window of Opportunity

Glaciers matters; only around 3% of the Earth’s water is fresh and of this, only about 1.2% is ‘surface water’ (i.e., found in lakes, rivers and swamps). The remaining 1.8% of the Earth’s fresh water is stored in glaciers. Over the past 25 years, the world’s glaciers have been retreating at an accelerated rate. UNESCO estimates that by 2050, around one third of the glaciers, covering an area of roughly 66,000km2 in its 50 World Heritage sites, will disappear. While these glaciers are doomed, it is still possible to save the remaining two thirds that are at risk. To this end, mitigation action needs to be taken NOW. A key aim of this work (from my glacial suite) is to invite viewers to reflect on the importance of the world’s glaciers and the Cryosphere generally, and the very small critical window of opportunity that is open to take action to protect these vital resources, which are essential to the survival of all things that depend on water for life.