INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Glaciers are essential to Earth's ecosystem
They serve as freshwater reservoirs, regulate sea levels and support biodiversity
More than 2 billion people rely on glaciers and seasonal snowmelt for drinking water, agriculture and hydropower.Glaciers act as nature's
water towers, storing about 70 percent of the world's freshwater
Their seasonal meltwater supports rivers, forests and farmlands.However, rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier melt, and rapid
glacier loss is already affecting communities worldwide.Scientists warn that by 2050, one-third of the world's glaciers could disappear,
severely impacting water security and ecosystems.To address this crisis, the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of
Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP) and established March 21 as World Day for Glaciers.In addition, 2025-2034 has been declared the "Decade of
Action for Cryospheric Science," aiming to raise global awareness of glaciers' critical role in climate and hydrological systems while
tackling the urgent challenges posed by accelerated glacier melt.China has made significant efforts to monitor and protect its glaciers
Currently, there are 48,571 glaciers in western China, covering a total area of 51,800 square kilometers, with an estimated ice volume of
4,300-4,700 cubic kilometers
These glaciers are mainly distributed in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, particularly in the Himalayas, Hengduan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains and
The Kunlun Mountains system has the highest number of glaciers, with 8,922 in total.However, climate change is taking its toll
Over the past 50 years, glacier area in China's arid western regions has shrunk by 18 percent
By the end of this century, more than 70 percent of these glaciers may disappear, according to Wang Feiteng, a researcher at the Northwest
Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.In response to the accelerating glacier retreat, China has
taken various measures, with the most crucial being energy conservation and emission reduction.Scientists are using satellite technology and
on-site measurements to track glacier changes
In recent years, researchers have tested innovative methods like covering glaciers with reflective materials to slow down melting
In 2023, a trial on the Tianshan No
1 glacier showed promising results in reducing ice loss.Additionally, China has established several nature reserves focused on glacier
conservation, such as the Qomolangma, Sanjiangyuan and Qilian Mountains national nature reserves
These protected areas help reduce direct human impact on glaciers.International organizations are also intensifying glacier protection
The IYGP will bring together experts and policymakers to promote conservation strategies
Governments are also investing in climate adaptation measures to mitigate the impact of glacier loss.The Global Glacier Casualty List
project was founded in 2024 through a collaboration between Rice University, the University of Iceland, the Iceland Glaciological Society,
the World Glacier Monitoring Service and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.This project has identified 18
glaciers worldwide that are at risk of disappearing but hold significant scientific and socio-economic value
Among them, China's Dagu Glacier has been selected as the only representative from the country."Artificial intelligence (AI) has enormous
potential in glacier monitoring, change prediction and disaster early warning," Wang added
AI has shown promising applications in predicting glacial lake floods, optimizing meltwater management and assessing avalanche risks
Scientists look forward to building a global intelligent glacier monitoring network to enable real-time tracking and data sharing
AI could also support green and low-carbon development, helping to slow glacier retreat and contribute to global ecological
sustainability.Protecting glaciers is crucial for future generations
Through global cooperation, scientific research and sustainable policies, these vital freshwater sources can be safeguarded.Explore the
majestic glaciers in China with CGTN Nature's film crew:Lhegu Glacier in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous RegionMingyong Glacier in
southwest China's Yunnan ProvinceMuz Taw Glacier in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous RegionDagu Glacier in southwest China's
Sichuan ProvinceA CGTN Environmental Documentary: The Call of Glaciers(Cover: VCG)
