Glaciers are slow-moving large masses of ice that store about 70% of the global freshwater resources and are rapidly shrinking.
Thirteen years ago, Summer Koester moved to Juneau, Alaska, seeking a shift from Southern California's heat and increased wildfires. Its cold and rainy climate made Juneau seem like a perfect place to raise a family. However, the glaciers that once defined the town's peaceful landscape have now become a source of devastating destruction.
In August 2023, the Mendenhall Glacier's melting ice caused a massive flood, eroding riverbanks, destroying homes, and sweeping away entire structures. The following year, another flood, even more severe than the last, wreaked havoc on the community, submerging homes and cars and leaving families in desperate situations.Â
The recurring glacier-induced floods highlight the broader, urgent issues of climate change affecting the region, showing that no place is immune to its devastating effects.Â
On this World Water Day, the United Nations has chosen the theme Protect our Glaciers. Rapidly melting glaciers make the water cycle unpredictable and impact local ecosystems and people in its path. The results are sea level rise, coastal erosion, species loss, and more frequent and intense storms, hurricanes, and typhoons. Â
So, how do we protect glaciers? Here are some ways to take action
The Paris Agreement, the international treaty adopted in 2015, determined that to keep worldwide warming to no more than 1.5°C, worldwide emissions must be reduced by 40% by 2030 and reach a net zero by 2050, based on the best available science. The biggest carbon emission gases, which are also major contributors to climate change, are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Of course, some industries have the highest impact and possess the technology to reduce emissions, which can make some of the biggest impacts. Those industries include transportation, agriculture, energy, buildings, and waste.Â
In thinking about the industries with the biggest room to make an impact, these are the most impactful actions individuals and households can take to reduce their impact.Â
#1 - Eat with the climate in mind
We all have different dietary needs, but some foods are better for our health and the planet. Take measures to reduce food waste as much as possible, and find a place where you can compost rather than landfill food waste. Food waste that ends up in landfills releases methane and contributes to speeding up climate change. Research from the University of Oxford shows that adopting a plant-forward diet can cut food-related emissions by up to 73% per person. Food systems account for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production being the most intensive. That doesn't mean everyone needs to go vegan, but reducing or eliminating dairy and meat, especially red meat consumption, and buying local in-season produce can be very impactful.Â
#2 - Reduce waste and increase recyclingÂ
20% of global methane emissions and 3.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to waste. The best way to combat waste is to reduce it from the start. Reuse as much as possible with reusable bags, containers, straws, and refillable water bottles. Choose easily recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, metals, and glass. Avoid single-use plastic wherever possible. Organic waste that is composted as opposed to being landfilled has the potential to reduce more than 50% of greenhouse gasses.
#3 - Travel mindfully
From day-to-day travel to voyages across the world, how we choose to travel has a direct impact on the carbon emissions associated with our modes of transportation. Long-distance flights have some of the highest impacts; carbon offset programs tied to verified reforestation or clean energy projects can be considered to compensate for the big carbon spend. While offsetting isn't a perfect solution, it can help when combined with emissions reductions. For local travel, prioritize walking, biking, and other options with no to low carbon. If you do own a vehicle, consider the car's emissions and whether it's electric, hybrid, or another alternative fuel vehicle, ideally powered by renewable energy.Â
#4 - Home energy choices
Whether renting or owning, there are always better energy choices we can make. Energy efficiency measures, which are reducing the energy demand of our homes, can be accomplished by changing light bulbs to LEDs, choosing energy efficiency appliances, ensuring good insulation, and keeping thermostats at reasonable levels of 78°F (26°C) in summer and 68°F (20°C). Once your energy needs are reduced, you can add renewable energy sources and battery storage to power your home. If you rent, you can seek options from your utility company or landlord. In some cases, community solar projects also allow you to adopt clean energy while not necessarily attaching equipment to your property. You can learn more measures from the Environmental Protection Agency here.Â
#5 - Push for systemic change
Voting for local, state, and national policies that support clean energy and environmental protection matters. Supporting climate-forward legislation helps reduce emissions at scale. Participating in public comment periods for environmental rules or contacting representatives with clear, evidence-based messages can be powerful. While many believe that we need to take action on climate change, just 8% of registered voters have contacted government officials in the past year to urge them to take action to reduce global warming. That's an opportunity to act that could include you. You can locate and contact your representatives here.Â
#6 - Support glacier and climate science
Many nonprofits and research institutions monitor glacier health and conduct public education. Donations, volunteer time, or even sharing credible information about climate impacts on glacier-fed ecosystems (like freshwater access and sea-level rise) can boost public awareness. Look for university-related groups or programs like the U.S. Geological Survey's Glacier Monitoring. Research for creatively preserving glaciers is actively underway. Examples of these creative potential solutions include geotextiles like covering glaciers with blankets to slow down melting, artificial snow making and packing, ice shields or underwater dams, reflective sands or beads, refreezing techniques, and artificial icebergs are all being explored.
#7 - Use your influence
Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, business leader, or creator, using your platform to normalize climate-smart habits can increase your impact. Every bit of warming avoided helps slow the melt. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), reducing global emissions by nearly half this decade is still our best chance to preserve what's left. Whether you are passionate about clean energy, better transportation, or refilling with PATH to reduce plastic waste, share your knowledge and raise awareness.Â
World Water Day is an opportunity to remember the interconnection between our lifestyles and the magnificent world around us worth protecting. Whatever fuels your soul and sets you on a PATH that aligns with your spirit can always be accompanied by a fresh refill. Refilling saves the planet by reducing waste before it starts, which lowers the demand for single-use plastic bottled water and the virgin oil it requires to make. You have a ton of power in your hands; we're here to help you take charge of that. #ChooseYourPATH
Resources
https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-ecosystems
https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-ecosystems
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-06-01-new-estimates-environmental-cost-food
https://publications.wri.org/state_of_climate_action/conclusion
https://www.epa.gov/energy/reduce-environmental-impact-your-energy-use