In a series of international scientific conferences and seminars, the United Nations has drawn attention to the rapidly worsening environmental degradation and the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The organization has urgently called for international coordination to address the ramifications of climate change, particularly the shrinking sea ice, the melting of glaciers, and the often rapid and permanent changes in the ice cap.
By the consensus of the 193 member countries and regions in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) based in Geneva, the subject of ice caps has been elevated to one of its top priorities. This is due to the increasing effects of diminishing sea ice, the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, permafrost and snow on the rise of sea levels, and the risks related to water, water security, economies, and ecological systems.
During the World Meteorological Congress, the highest decision-making body in the WMO, held from May 22 to June 2 in Geneva, Switzerland, the focus was on ways to address the escalating consequences of global warming, particularly on world water security which affects sea ice, glaciers, and polar ice.
The conference decided to call for more coordinated studies and forecasts, data sharing, research, services, and increased activities among member countries, along with increased funding from both budgets and external financing.
In a statement, the Secretary-General of the organization, Petteri Taalas, pointed out that “the issue of the ice cap is a hot topic, not only for the polar regions but also a global issue.”
Delegates from around the world expressed their concern about the impact of what is happening in the polar regions and high mountainous areas on the entire world, especially small island nations and densely populated coastal areas.
Keywords: United Nations, Climate Change, Global Warming, Ice Caps, Glaciers, Sea Levels, World Meteorological Organization, Polar Regions, Environmental Degradation, Water Security.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), over a billion people globally depend on water from melting ice caps and glaciers. As these ice bodies disappear, the water supply security for these individuals faces significant danger. The WMO spokesperson voiced her concern, prompting people to consider the implications of the disappearing rivers for water supplies.
Environment experts warn that we are running out of time, if not already too late, for significant interventions. They emphasize the United Nations’ role in enforcing strict environmental programs and policies worldwide. Such initiatives should prioritize ecological balance and the transition towards renewable energy, mitigating the intensifying impacts of climate change on water and food security for Earth’s inhabitants.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, environmental expert and International Union for Conservation of Nature member, Ayman Qadouri, shared his insights:
- “The global call to address climate change impacts, particularly on the Arctic sea ice area, comes far too late. Especially considering we’ve already lost approximately 70% of sea ice area in the last two decades.”
- “The past five years have been the harshest in terms of the severity and acceleration of climate change impacts. This is confirmed by scientific studies in Europe, specifically Sweden and Norway.”
- “The melting of sea ice in the Arctic poses a threat to the water security of all Northern European countries. Roughly 60-70% of Northern Europe relies on melting sea ice for fresh water supply in their countries. Consequently, this melting will initially create a long-term fresh water scarcity crisis. Moreover, it’s likely that the melting will coincide with dry and scant winter seasons in terms of rainfall.”
The escalating crisis highlights the urgency for global cooperation and action towards more sustainable practices. As melting ice continues to pose a significant threat to the water supply of a significant portion of the global population, it’s evident that the world needs to address climate change more aggressively.
