The Melting Legacy: Honoring Lost Glaciers

In a poignant tribute to the disappearing glaciers of the world, Icelandic sculptor Ottó Magnússon created a Glacier Graveyard last year. Headstones carved from ice were placed in a windswept field by the sea, bearing the names of glaciers lost or waning due to global warming.

Among the honored glaciers were Pico Humboldt, the last of Venezuela’s glaciers, Anderson Glacier in Washington U.S., Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Aujuittuq in Canada. These solemn monuments serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet.

World Day for Glaciers

On March 21, 2025, global leaders, scientists, and policymakers will convene at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Paris to commemorate the first-ever World Day for Glaciers. This significant event aims to raise awareness about the rapid loss of glaciers and the urgent need for climate action.

State of the Global Climate

The World Meteorological Organization recently released its State of the Global Climate report, highlighting alarming trends:

• The Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice extents are at record lows.
• Glacier mass loss is increasing at an unprecedented rate.
• Global mean sea level reached a record high in 2024.

These findings underscore the critical importance of addressing climate change to protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Global Impact of Glaciers

With over 200,000 glaciers worldwide covering approximately 700,000 km2, glaciers play a vital role in sustaining freshwater sources for over 2 billion people. The loss of glacier ice contributes significantly to rising sea levels, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Embracing Change

Anthropologist Cymene Howe emphasizes the emotional impact of climate change, urging collective action to preserve our glaciers for future generations. Through initiatives like the Glacier Graveyard and the Global Glacier Casualty List, we can honor the legacy of these vanishing wonders and inspire meaningful change.

As author Andri Snær Magnason wrote for a memorial plaque, “The glaciers of the world do not need to die. They can continue to live and thrive if we choose a better way into the future.”