UK scientists contribute to world UNESCO report warning of unprecedented glacier loss – British Antarctic Survey

10 November, 2025 News tales

A scientist from the British Antarctic Survey has contributed to a significant new worldwide publication, coordinated by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, which highlights the accelerating decline of glaciers and ice sheets and their penalties for individuals and the planet. 

The quantity, Glaciers and Ice Sheets in a Warming World: Impacts and Outcomes, edited by Professor David J. Drewry, types the UK’s scientific contribution to the United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025), led by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization. 

Dr Hamish Pritchard, glaciologist on the British Antarctic Survey, authored “Will our mountains lose their snow and ice? And does it matter if they do?”, which explores the significance of the world’s mountain water assets to these dwelling downstream, notably in South and Central Asia, and describes efforts underway to fill main gaps in our understanding of them.

“Water from snow and ice is really valuable because it flows down from the mountains through the spring and summer, when we need it most. But it’s also on the front line of climate change, a big thaw is underway, and we have very few measurements to help us understand what we are losing. We’re now targeting the key mountain measurements we need to make our water supplies more predictable.”

The report finds that since 2000, glaciers worldwide have misplaced greater than 6,500 billion tonnes of ice, contributing roughly one-third of present sea-level rise and lowering the provision of water to numerous mountain communities. The loss fee has accelerated by greater than a 3rd up to now decade, underscoring the urgency of limiting world warming to 1.5 °C. 

About the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 

Adopted by the UN General Assembly, the Year goals to lift world consciousness of glaciers’ important function in ecosystems, economies and societies. UNESCO and the WMO are coordinating scientific and coverage initiatives all through 2025, culminating annually on World Day for Glaciers (21 March). 

British Antarctic Survey is proud to contribute to this world effort, reaffirming the UK’s management in local weather and cryosphere analysis and its dedication to UNESCO’s mission to advance information and sustainability worldwide. 

Full report: Glaciers and Ice Sheets in a Warming World: Impacts and Outcomes is available on the UNESCO website.