The UN General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP). The goal is to raise awareness of the role glaciers, snow and ice play in the climate system and the hydrological cycle, and communicate the economic and environmental impacts that result from the loss of these cryospheric components. Sharing best practices and knowledge surrounding the impacts of climate change on our cryosphere are equally vitally important.
Given the Andes’ vital role as ‘water towers’ for lowland communities, this UN declaration is extremely timely. Indeed the rapid glacier retreat and reduced seasonal snow pack threaten dry season water supply for agriculture, mining, hydropower production, ecosystem integrity and biodiversity throughout the Andes. AccelNet-ACCORD has thus initiated a number of scientific and educational activities to contribute to the 2025 IYGP.
Several AccelNet-ACCORD members have contributed to a Policy Brief, led by the DaR network and presented during the UNESCO World Day for Glaciers celebration in Paris, 20-21 March 2025, highlighting the specific issues facing the Andean cryosphere.
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