GlacierHub
Glaciers bring us valuable insights as they sit on the frontlines of climate change. Each week, GlacierHub shares stories about lessons to humanity in the form of changing water supplies, natural resource conflicts, omnipresent natural hazards and threats to biodiversity. It describes the responses of indigenous peoples, scientists, artists, local communities and organizations to the challenges brought by glacier retreat—demonstrating the relevance of the world’s high icy places for all humankind.
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Asia’s Glaciers Have Become a Diplomatic Talking Point
As glaciers continue to shrink, important questions around glacier diplomacy and water supply played out among Central Asian nations during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.
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Europe’s Earliest Glacier Loss Day in Years Signals a Reckoning for the Alps
Back-to-back European heatwaves pushed this year’s Glacier Loss Day to its second earliest date on record, indicating accelerating glacial melt across Switzerland, France and Italy.
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Algal Blooms: A ‘Dark’ Threat to Greenland’s Cooling Capabilities
Recent studies show that the deposition of nutrients on glaciers and ice sheets is causing rapid algal growth, reducing glacier albedo and warming the planet.
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The Irreversible Global Impacts From the Loss of Earth’s Frozen Regions
In June, climate negotiators from around the world met in Bonn, Germany for the annual Subsidiary Body meetings in preparation for the Conference of the Parties.
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Massive Calving Episode in Greenland May Foreshadow More Rapid Ice Sheet Loss
Researchers studying a lake drainage event in Greenland determined that large amounts of meltwater can lead to massive glacier calving events and accelerate ice sheet loss.
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New U.N. Resolution Urges Member States to Act for Glacier Preservation
The resolution, spearheaded by Tajikistan (along with Peru and Bhutan), marks a historic first for Central Asia. It emphasizes the importance of Indigenous populations affected by glacier loss.
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When Glaciers Disappear, So Do Deities
The loss of glaciers across the Andes and the Himalayas impacts not only water supplies, but also the cultural and spiritual lives of local communities.
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How Do Glacial Ecosystems Respond to Climate Change?
Microbiologist Arwyn Edwards discusses the complex role of microbial life in glacial ecosystems and the impact of climate change on his field.
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How ‘Undone Science’ Shaped Chile’s Glacier Protection Battle
A new study examines how “undone science” has shaped the conflict between mining and glacier conservation in Chile over the past two decades.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
