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How would you like to live where there is always snow and ice? Some of the coldest parts of the world have glaciers. Glaciers are sheets of ice formed by snow falling on them more than melting. Over the years, the snow gets packed into ice, and they start to look a shade of blue (read more in Why Glaciers Are Blue?). Glaciers are important for many reasons and that is why 2025 is the Year of Glacier Preservation and the theme of this edition. 

During hot summers, glaciers melt and supply fresh water to the people living below them. This water is used for drinking, cooking, watering crops, etc. (read more in Glaciers are Freshwater Reservoirs!). Glaciers help keep the earth cool as they can reflect light away from the earth (much like wearing a white piece of clothing in hot summers). If too much light gets trapped around the earth, it can cause the earth to become too hot. Glaciers are also indicators of the earth’s climate over the years. 

Scientists expect to see changes in glaciers over long periods of time. But studies show changes are happening faster now than in the past. Scientists are studying the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, one of the largest in the world. Its size has decreased as more water is melting into the sea than the snow falling on it. These changes affect water storage, sea water level, and earth’s temperature.

Humans use fossil fuels (like gasoline) for energy. When fossil fuels burn, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are released. Greenhouse gases retain the sun’s energy and warm our Earth. But studies about glaciers show that carbon dioxide levels today are higher than ever. Too much of greenhouse gases can make the earth too hot to live on and melt even more glaciers. 

Given the incredible things that glaciers do for all living beings and the earth, don’t you think they need to be protected and taken care of, so we don’t lose more glaciers? Maybe as a small step, we can try reducing our use of fossil fuels. Perhaps you can walk or ride a bike or suggest to your parents to choose public transporation instead of riding in your own car. Let’s float into the world of glaciers and learn about this “Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry!�