Glaciers and Us:
Nature's Gentle Guardians

Table Of Content

• Glaciers: Guardians of Time
• Glaciers and Our Balance
• Indigenous Wisdom of Glaciers
• Inspiration from Glaciers
• Protecting Our Glacier

Glaciers: Guardians of Time

Glaciers are like the Earth’s time capsules, preserving thousands or even millions of years of history. For example, ice cores from Greenland contain records of the past 250,000 years of climate. These tiny air bubbles in the ice are nature’s messengers from the past, helping scientists understand climate changes over time. Each layer of ice tells a story, offering us a glimpse into Earth’s history while urging us to protect its future.

Seeing this chart fills me with urgency. Glaciers, once thought eternal, are shrinking at alarming rates, particularly in the southeast where the rate is -0.18. At 5750 meters, the changes in glacier area are striking, reminding us that their beauty is at risk. Glaciers aren’t just natural wonders; they’re critical freshwater sources, sustaining life. As someone who cherishes nature, I feel we must act to protect them. Saving glaciers means securing our future. Together, we can preserve these precious, irreplaceable miracles of the Earth. Let’s safeguard them before it's too late.

Glaciers and Our Balance

Glaciers are like the Earth’s time capsules, preserving thousands or even millions of years of history. For example, ice cores from Greenland contain records of the past 250,000 years of climate.

These tiny air bubbles in the ice are nature’s messengers from the past, helping scientists understand climate changes over time. Each layer of ice tells a story, offering us a glimpse into Earth’s history while urging us to protect its future.

Indigenous Wisdom of Glaciers

For thousands of years, indigenous peoples living near glaciers have developed a deep connection with these natural giants. For instance, the Inuit in Alaska rely on glaciers for freshwater and clues for hunting. They draw wisdom from observing the changes in glaciers. However, as the glaciers melt, their traditional way of life is being forced to change. When I read these stories, I’m moved by the simple yet profound wisdom that comes from living in harmony with nature.

In the Himalayan region, some glaciers are considered the dwelling places of deities, and local residents hold rituals to worship these glaciers. According to data from the United Nations Environment Programme, at least 35 glacial lake outburst events have occurred in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and China over the past century.

Protecting our Glacier

On August 18, 2019, scientists and local residents held a funeral at the site of the vanished "Ok" glacier in Iceland, marking the country's first glacier to disappear. Iceland held a memorial service for the lost glacier, with a plaque inscribed as a letter to the future. This event was the world’s first commemoration for a disappearing glacier. Currently, 11% of Iceland is covered by ice, but scientists predict that by 2200, all of Iceland’s glaciers may vanish. Similar ceremonies have been held for other glaciers, such as the Pizol Glacier in Switzerland, the Quisoquipina Glacier in Peru, and the Svartisen Glacier in Norway. 

The purity and solitude of glaciers often inspire artists and creators. In 2019, Iceland held a somber ceremony for the lost Okjökull glacier—the first glacier in the country to disappear due to climate change. The glacier’s disappearance stirred deep reflection on the fragility of nature and our role in protecting it. Standing in the place where the glacier once was, I’m struck by the quiet call to protect nature, a call that inspires art and action alike.

The purity and solitude of glaciers often inspire artists and creators. In 2019, Iceland held a somber ceremony for the lost Okjökull glacier—the first glacier in the country to disappear due to climate change. The glacier’s disappearance stirred deep reflection on the fragility of nature and our role in protecting it. Standing in the place where the glacier once was, I’m struck by the quiet call to protect nature, a call that inspires art and action alike.

Glaciers are nature’s gentle guardians, standing quietly as witnesses to the Earth’s transformations. They hold the memories of the past and the hope for the future. Every time I think of glaciers, I feel a warm sense of responsibility. They remind me that we are not just inhabitants of this planet but also its caretakers. Let us protect these precious glaciers, preserve their stories, and safeguard our future. Through glaciers, we are more deeply connected to nature, and we understand, more than ever, the true meaning of cherishing and protecting.