Melting glaciers pose water threat

Melting glaciers, through global warming, could lead to water shortages affecting billions of people, according to a new report by WWF.

Glaciers contain more than 70% of the world’s freshwater reserves, and an overall temperature rise of 4 degree Celsius before the end of the century would decimate the majority of them. The effect on water supplies would dramatically hit a range of areas, from major cities in South America, to small island nations and the Himalayas.

Jennifer Morgan, Director of WWF’s Climate Change Programme commented; "These glaciers are extremely important because they respond rapidly to climate change and their loss directly affects human populations and ecosystems.”

The release of the report coincides with the start of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) Ninth Conference of the Parties (COP9), where ministers from around the world are discussing international global warming action.

On COP9, Jennifer Morgan added; ”WWF expects developed country ministers at the COP9 meeting to clearly demonstrate what their countries are doing now to combat climate change and commit to deep reductions in the future to prevent such catastrophes. Glacial meltdown is a clear signal that we must act now to fight global warming and stop the melting. COP9 must make it clear to the world that a multi-lateral approach to climate change is the only way forward, that Kyoto will soon enter into force and that international cooperation is well on track to tackle climate change."