Climate advocacy group Protect Our Winters (POW) has launched the International Year of Glacier Preservation (IYGP 2025) campaign to raise awareness about the alarming rate of glacier loss and its impact on global water security, ecosystems and mountain cultures.

The campaign coincides with the first-ever World Day for Glaciers (March 21) and World Water Day (March 20), emphasizing the urgency of glacier conservation following 2024 – the hottest year on record. “The International Year of Glacier Preservation must become a wake-up call for everyone,” said Jonas Schneider, Executive Director at POW Europe. “The outdoor community, scientists, and policymakers must join forces to turn awareness into concrete action.”

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Key Events this year:

  • March 20: Screening of Downstream at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

  • March 21: Downstream showcase at the UN headquarters, New York.

  • April 8: EU Parliament screening in Brussels.

  • April 25: ChangeNOW “Glacier Night” in Paris featuring athletes, scientists and climate leaders.

POW calls on individuals and policymakers to take action by spreading awareness, advocating for policies and supporting glacier preservation efforts. “Glaciers store 75 percent of the world’s freshwater, yet they are melting at unprecedented rates,” said Dr. Giulia Mazzotti, snow scientist. “Without urgent action, we could lose up to 52 percent of glacier mass by 2100.”

For more information on POW’s advocacy and how to get involved, visit protectourwinters.eu/international-year-of-glacier-preservation/.

How to Get Involved:  

POW is calling on individuals, businesses and policymakers to take action:

1. Spread the word – use the tag @protectourwinterseurope and, if applicable, your POW chapter. Use the hashtags #glacierpreservation #glaciers2025 #IYGP2025

2. Demand action from policymakers. Glacier preservation isn’t optional – it’s essential.

3. Every vote counts. Whenever you have the chance, go out and vote!

4. Join and support your national POW chapter.

5. Watch Downstream and recommend it to your family and friends.

 

 

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