Kathmandu: President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Lok Bahadur Thapa, has highlighted the growing risks of glacier loss, warning of its serious impact on water security and livelihoods.
Speaking at a high-level event titled “Glaciers in a Changing World: Safeguarding the Planet’s Cryosphere” at the United Nations headquarters on the occasion of World Day for Glaciers, Thapa said glaciers are rapidly retreating due to climate change.
He noted that Nepal has already lost around one-quarter of its glacier area in recent decades, with expanding glacial lakes increasing the risk of dangerous floods.
Referring to the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, he warned that up to 80 percent of glacier volume could disappear by the end of the century if current trends continue, affecting millions who depend on glacier-fed rivers.
Thapa emphasized that glacier loss is not a distant threat but a present crisis impacting agriculture, energy, ecosystems, and communities. He called for urgent global action, including science-based policies, stronger international cooperation, and measures to protect vulnerable populations.
He also highlighted ongoing global efforts such as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryosphere Sciences (2025–2034), urging countries to translate awareness into concrete policy action.
