Why in the News? 

• The United Nations has declared March 21 as the World Day for Glaciers. 
• This initiative, along with the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025, emphasises the urgent need for glacier conservation amidst the threats posed by climate change. 

About Glaciers 

• Glaciers are vast rivers of ice and snow, acting as nature’s frozen sentinels, shaping landscapes and serving as vital freshwater reservoirs. 
• They play a key role in regulating sea levels and supporting biodiversity, but their rapid melting due to climate change is causing significant environmental consequences. 

International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025 

• The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to:  

1. Promote scientific research on glacier loss. 
2. Support global cooperation in glacier conservation efforts. 
3. Mobilize resources for mitigation strategies. 
4. Encourage community-led adaptation to glacier changes.