Authors: S•HUB team members, Marita Neumann and Amber Petersen 

A growing Crisis for global water supply

Glaciers are more than just frozen landscapes—they are essential freshwater reservoirs, storing about 69% of the Earth's freshwater (1). They regulate sea levels, feed rivers, and help stabilize the global climate (2). Beyond water security, glaciers hold cultural, recreational and economic values. They support local communities through tourism and recreation, and are central to the traditions of Indigenous communities (3). However, rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt and leading to consequences to human health and livelihoods (4).  
Recognizing this growing crisis, the United Nations has declared March 21, 2025, as the first-ever World Day of Glaciers, emphasizing the urgent need for action (5). Over 2 billion people rely on glacier meltwater for drinking, agriculture, and energy production (6). If current trends continue, many regions will face severe water shortages, biodiversity loss and endangerment of entire communities due to flooding and sea level rise. 
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Case Study: The impact of melting glaciers in Norway

Norway’s glaciers are retreating rapidly (7), impacting hydropower production, which provides 88% of the country’s electricity supply (8). Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in continental Europe, supports approximately 15% of hydropower production (9). While increased meltwater temporarily boost energy output, long-term glacier loss will reduce water availability, impacting energy stability (10). To address these challenges, Norwegian research institutions are studying these effects using numerical models to assess future changes and energy availability. A study at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research also explores how scientific data on glacier melt influences political decisions on hydropower expansion (11), highlighting the need for informed policy-making in response to climate change.

The Austerdalsbreen glacial tongue of Jostedalsbreen ice field (2024), photo by Amber Pettersen

​How businesses can combat glacial melting and water shortages

Businesses play a crucial role in tackling climate change and the global water crisis. Reducing carbon emissions—one of the main drivers of glacial melting—and adopting sustainable water management practices are key to preserving vital water resources.
Statkraft, an S•HUB member and Europe's largest producer of hydropower (12), exemplifies corporate climate action. The Norwegian company reduces greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy production and internal initiatives, such as cutting office energy use and lowering business travel emissions (13).
Beyond emissions reduction, Statkraft also helps communities facing water shortages adapt. In Peru, where glacier retreat threatens water access, it restores traditional canals and reservoirs, securing water for farming and daily use (14).

A Collective Responsibility

Glacier melt signals an urgent need for action and once lost, they cannot be replaced. Governments, businesses, and individuals must collaborate to cut emissions and implement sustainable solutions. By acting now, we can protect freshwater resources for future generations.
This year was the first World Day of Glaciers, let’s commit to prioritizing sustainability across all sectors.
      

Sources:
1. PCC-Report Chapter 1 link 
2. United Nation: World day for Glaciers link
3 & 4. PCC-Report Chapter 1 link
5. United Nation: World day for Glaciers link
6. WMO link
7.(Gillespie et al., 2024) ) Ice thickness and bed topography of Jostedalsbreen ice cap, Norway. Earth System Science Data, 16(12), 5799–5825. link
8. Norwegian Energy, 2024 link
9. NORCE: link 
10.Energyscope 2014 link
11. Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research 2021 link
12. Statkraft: link
13. Statkraft: Climate Action: link
14. Statkraft: Social Responsibility: link