Vanishing Ice and Snow: Global Impacts and Regional Solutions for Resilient Mountains

Key information

Date: 11 December (International Mountain Day)

Time: 15:15-17:15 EAT

About

An associated side event of the seventh session of the United National Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) this event is coordinated by UNEP and supported by Adaptation at Altitude.

Glaciers can be found on every continent in mountain landscapes and across the polar regions. Globally, snow and ice store more than 70% of available freshwater resources, and their run-off is a critical source of life, providing freshwater to people, animals, plants and economies. Glacier and mountain ecosystems also host unique biodiversity and support a plethora of species. However, snow and ice have been in drastic decline since the beginning of the 20^th century, and at accelerated rates recently due to global heating, with impacts on global sea level rise, regional risk levels, and local livelihoods.
 
This event aims to

• Present the latest scientific evidence and projections on cryosphere changes globally and regionally with selected case studies.
• Share & demonstrate innovative and successfully tested solutions including at transboundary/regional levels in mountain regions and beyond, to preserve snow and ice whilst supporting livelihoods and economies to adapt to changes in these vulnerable ecosystems.
• Present a framework for assessing climate- and disaster-induced loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, which aims to understand better the losses services and their cascading impacts have on human systems for effective planning and implementation of adaptation and risk reduction measures.
• Engage in a meaningful policy and learning dialogue between member states, learning from existing regional solutions to cryosphere loss, and engage in important policy discussions, linking inter alia to the ongoing call to foster stronger synergies between the Rio Conventions (climate nature nexus) as well as identification of financing opportunities.

Speakers

To see a full list of speakers please visit the UNEP event page.