The 2025 UN World Water Development Report states that receding snow and ice cover in mountain regions could have severe consequences for both people and nature.
Mountain regions provide up to 60% of the world’s freshwater and are home to 1.1 billion people and 85% of bird, amphibian, and mammal species.
The report notes that this leads to less drinking and agricultural water, increased stress on ecosystems, and a greater risk of glacial lake outbursts. An expert told Carbon Brief that glacier loss causes a “loss of life, livelihood, and a home for many communities.”
The report highlights adaptation strategies, such as changing farming practices, improving water storage systems, and enhancing early warning systems for floods and landslides.
Mountains are known as the world’s “water towers” for their essential role in the global water cycle. Ice and snow accumulate in winter and melt in summer, providing vital water for rivers, especially during hot, dry periods. This meltwater helps sustain river flow and safeguards against water scarcity.
About two billion people rely on glacial water from mountains for their daily needs. While mountains contribute 55-60% of global freshwater flows, this percentage can vary from 40% to 90% depending on the region.
Rivers like the Colorado, Nile, and Rio Negro depend on mountain water for over 90% of their flow. Many major cities, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New Delhi, also rely on this water.
The report highlights the mountains’ significance to the power sector, stating that 85% of hydropower in Andean countries is generated in these regions.
The report states that two-thirds of irrigated agriculture relies on mountain runoff. Mountain communities, including rare varieties and medicinal plants, are essential for preserving crop biodiversity.
Most water from mountain snow and ice comes from melting snow, while glaciers, formed by accumulated snow, are also key to the mountain cryosphere. About 200,000 glaciers cover about 10% of the world’s land and store around 70% of Earth’s fresh water.
The rapid melting of these glaciers can initially increase river flow in glacier-fed basins. However, once melting surpasses a certain point, river flow declines. Many glaciers have vanished entirely; for example, Colombia has lost 90% of its glacial area since the mid-19th century.
The text highlights the rapid disappearance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta glacier, one of the few glaciers near the Caribbean Sea. This glacier feeds over 30 rivers and is vital for biodiversity, holding sacred significance for four Indigenous communities.
It also addresses the ecological impacts of global warming. Although mountains represent only a quarter of the Earth’s surface, they contain unique ecosystems and over 85% of the world’s amphibian, bird, and mammal species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Hosea 4:1 The LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
Hosea 4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
Hosea 4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish=lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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