UN Emphasizes Importance of Glacier Preservation for Global Water Security
Good afternoon from Dushanbe, where UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed a gathering of global leaders at the Leaders’ Round Table session II. Emphasizing the urgent need for action against climate change, she highlighted the alarming realities of global warming, particularly its impact on glaciers and ecosystems. Mohammed called for immediate and ambitious commitments to preserve these vital resources, stressing that the year 2025 must mark a turning point in climate action.
The Urgency of Climate Action
During her remarks, Amina Mohammed painted a stark picture of the current climate crisis. She noted that the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals or to limit global warming to the critical threshold of 1.5°C. Recent events, such as the collapse of a glacier in the Swiss Alps and the visible effects of climate change observed during her flight over the Fedchenko glaciers, serve as urgent reminders of the challenges ahead. With global temperatures already rising by 1.2°C, the consequences are becoming increasingly severe, including record heatwaves, rising sea levels, and intensified storms. The World Meteorological Organization has projected a 70% chance that the average temperature over the next five years will exceed 1.5°C, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Mohammed emphasized that glaciers, which provide freshwater to over 2 billion people, are among the first casualties of climate change. Their rapid disappearance is not a distant threat but a current reality for many communities worldwide. She warned that even a slight increase in temperature can lead to irreversible losses in ecosystems, food security, and water resources. The alarming rate at which mountain ecosystems are warming—twice the global average—triggers the fastest glacier retreat in recorded history, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Calls for Enhanced National Commitments
In her address, Mohammed urged world leaders to prioritize three critical areas to combat climate change effectively. First, she called for an upgrade in the 2035 nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are essential for altering the current trajectory of climate action. She emphasized that these contributions must align with science-based pathways to limit warming to 1.5°C. Major emitting countries are particularly urged to submit enhanced NDCs that reflect a radical increase in ambition and credibility. This includes integrating the United Arab Emirates’ consensus on tripling renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency, and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Moreover, she highlighted the importance of including transition roadmaps that support workers and communities affected by these changes. The urgency of this call to action is underscored by the recognition that the cost of inaction is incalculable, making it imperative for governments to act decisively.
The Role of Finance in Climate Action
Finance was identified as a foundational element for effective climate action. Mohammed urged governments and financial institutions to fulfill the new climate finance goals established in Baku. Mobilizing private capital for clean energy and adaptation is essential, particularly for developing countries that are most vulnerable to climate impacts. She called for support in the form of grants and concessional finance for glacier-dependent nations, emphasizing that no country should be denied protection from climate chaos due to financial constraints.
Additionally, she advocated for reforms in international financial institutions to ensure faster, fairer, and more inclusive access to climate finance. The need for equitable financial support is critical, as many countries face significant barriers in addressing climate challenges due to liquidity issues or unfavorable credit ratings.
Preserving Glaciers as a Global Priority
Mohammed concluded her remarks by stressing that preserving glaciers must become a central focus of global climate strategy. She called for enhanced coordination on scientific research, funding, and policy actions aimed at glacier preservation. Investments in early warning systems, glacial monitoring, and local adaptation strategies in mountainous regions are vital. Recognizing Indigenous and community-led knowledge in shaping responses is equally important.
The melting of glaciers serves as both a symptom and a signal of the broader climate crisis. Mohammed warned that failure to act could lead to tipping points with catastrophic consequences. She acknowledged the pressures leaders face but emphasized that the path to limiting warming to 1.5°C is narrow and fraught with challenges. However, the science and economics of climate action are clear, and the consequences of delay are dire.
In her closing remarks, she called for a rejection of false dichotomies between economic development and environmental protection. The technologies and solutions to address climate change exist; what is needed now is the political will to implement them urgently and at scale. Mohammed urged leaders to ensure that 2025 is remembered as the year the world took decisive action against climate change, transforming promises into tangible progress for a sustainable future.
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