Let’s save the snow

On this Earth Day 2025, as the world faces unprecedented challenges brought on by climate change, the urgency of addressing environmental crises becomes more pressing than ever.

Among the most critical issues is the rapid melting of glaciers, particularly in mountain ranges like the Hindukush Himalayas. For countries like Pakistan, the loss of these glaciers has profound consequences for water security, agriculture, and livelihoods.

As glaciers recede, the Indus River, which sustains millions of Pakistanis, faces diminishing runoff, leading to water shortages that exacerbate the country’s already strained water resources. This Earth Day, it’s time for us to act decisively to save the snow, secure our water and ensure a resilient future for Pakistan.

Pakistan, home to some of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges, relies heavily on glacier melt for its water supply. The Indus River Basin, which is essential for Pakistan’s agriculture, industry and daily consumption, depends on meltwater from the glaciers of the Karakoram and the Himalayas. As these glaciers retreat, it becomes increasingly difficult to predict water availability, putting millions at risk.

But this problem isn’t isolated to Pakistan alone. The Hindukush Himalayas, home to over 50,000 glaciers, are vital to the entire region, serving as water sources for more than 1.6 billion people across Asia.

The recent Regional Experts' Workshop on Developing Mountain Indicators for the UNFCCC Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), which I attended in Kathmandu, Nepal, was a significant step towards addressing the challenges of climate adaptation in mountainous regions. Organised by ICIMOD, the workshop brought together policymakers, scientists, and experts from across the Hindukush Himalayan region to develop context-specific indicators aimed at strengthening the resilience of mountain ecosystems under the GGA framework. These indicators will help guide countries, including Pakistan, to develop tailored adaptation strategies that can protect mountain ecosystems, ensure water security, and promote long-term sustainability.

Mountains are the lifeblood of our water systems, but they are increasingly threatened by climate change. The IPCC’s findings confirm that glaciers are retreating at rates far beyond what was previously expected. In Pakistan, where over 90 per cent of the country’s water is used for agriculture, the consequences of melting glaciers are devastating. In the future, reduced glacier melt will not only impact agricultural production but will also lead to food insecurity, energy shortages and environmental degradation. Without proactive measures, these cascading impacts will only intensify.

The GGA framework offers a vital opportunity for Pakistan to rethink its approach to water management, glacier conservation, and climate adaptation. However, to truly make an impact, Pakistan must embrace innovative and sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional methods. During the workshop, experts highlighted key mountain adaptation indicators that are essential for monitoring the health of glaciers and improving water management.

For instance, developing early warning systems (EWS) to predict glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and other water-related disasters is critical. Pakistan must invest in real-time monitoring technologies, including satellite data, remote sensing, and local community-based monitoring, to track the health of glaciers and prevent disasters before they strike.

One of the most crucial aspects of the workshop was the development of context-specific indicators that take into account the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions. For Pakistan, this means identifying and addressing climate change drivers such as shifting rainfall patterns, decreasing snowmelt, and land degradation. These indicators must be integrated into Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and climate policies to ensure that the country can effectively manage its water resources, protect ecosystems and build resilience against future climate shocks.

But addressing these challenges isn’t just about technology and data but about inclusive solutions that engage local communities, especially those in rural, mountain areas. Many of these communities have lived in harmony with the mountains for generations, and their knowledge of traditional water management systems can be invaluable.

Pakistan should focus on integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to create sustainable water management systems. Community-led initiatives, such as restoring traditional water systems and reviving wetland ecosystems, can significantly contribute to increasing water availability and maintaining ecosystem health.

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies, such as reforestation, wetland restoration and the conservation of biodiversity, are also critical to mitigating the impacts of glacier loss. These ecosystems act as natural buffers, regulating water flows, reducing soil erosion, and providing a habitat for wildlife. Pakistan’s mountainous regions are home to unique ecosystems that play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supply. Protecting these areas should be a national priority, with clear policies aimed at ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Another innovative solution to consider is the development of climate-risk insurance schemes. These schemes could provide financial protection to vulnerable communities, farmers, and industries that rely on water from glaciers.

For example, crop insurance could be tailored to include climate risks, ensuring that farmers in mountain regions can recover quickly after floods, droughts, or other climate events. Climate bonds and other financial instruments could also help fund large-scale adaptation projects in mountain ecosystems, promoting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

However, financial mechanisms alone will not be enough. Pakistan must also focus on regional cooperation to address the transboundary nature of water resources. The Indus River Basin requires collaborative efforts between Pakistan, India and China to ensure that water-sharing agreements are respected and adaptation strategies are aligned across borders. The GGA framework provides an opportunity to enhance regional collaboration, ensuring that all parties work together to address shared climate risks.

As Pakistan moves forward, climate adaptation strategies must focus on building resilience, protecting ecosystems and ensuring water security for all. This includes not only government action but also private sector involvement, NGO collaboration and community engagement. By aligning with the Global Goal on Adaptation, Pakistan can create a future-proof strategy that safeguards its water resources, protects its glaciers and builds resilience to the impacts of climate change.

On this Earth Day, let us recognise that saving the snow is not just about protecting glaciers; it’s about securing a sustainable future for Pakistan, the region and the world. Through innovative policies, community-driven solutions and regional cooperation, Pakistan can lead the way in building climate resilience and ensuring that the mountains, the ‘heart’ of our water supply, remain a source of life for generations to come.

The writer is a policy analyst andresearcher with a Master’s degree in public policy from King’s College London.