In a determined move to address escalating climate challenges, Bhutan marked a historic day in its capital as the nation joined the global community in celebrating the World Day for Glaciers and World Meteorological Day. The dual observance comes at a time when rising temperatures have thrust Bhutan’s 570 glacial lakes into sharp focus, with 17 lakes now at risk of a catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood.
Glaciers, formed over centuries from accumulated snowfall, serve as critical freshwater reservoirs, sustaining millions of lives, regulating sea levels, and supporting local biodiversity. Yet, these majestic ice masses are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Recent data from the World Glacier Monitoring Service reveal that since record-keeping began in 1975, global glaciers have lost a staggering 9,000 billion tonnes of ice. With about 275,000 glaciers dotting the planet, experts warn that this mass loss could lead to water shortages, rising sea levels, and an increase in natural disasters.
At the heart of Bhutan’s concerns is the urgent need for reliable early warning systems capable of monitoring glacial changes and alerting communities of impending hazards. “From collecting data high in the mountains to relaying crucial warnings downstream, an effective early warning system is vital for countries like Bhutan, where 98 percent of the land is mountainous and communities cluster along major river basins,” explained Karma Toeb, a specialist at the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM).
Despite its critical importance, the implementation of such systems has proven challenging. Difficult terrain, high installation costs, and unreliable communication infrastructures—exemplified by the limitations of standard GPRS networks—complicate efforts to safeguard vulnerable regions. “Our current systems, installed along Punatsangchhu, Chamkharchhu, and Mangdechhu, only scratch the surface. Numerous river basins remain unprotected, demanding further expansion of these warning networks,” Toeb noted.
The urgency of bolstering early warning measures was echoed during a recent science seminar organized by the NCHM, which coincided with this year’s Meteorological Day under the theme “Closing the Early Warning Gaps Together.” The seminar highlighted the stark reality: globally, only about half of the countries possess adequate early warning systems—a gap that must be bridged if lives and livelihoods are to be saved.
Further intensifying the call for action is a new report by the World Meteorological Organisation and the World Glacier Monitoring Service, which detailed the largest three-year mass loss in glacier ice ever recorded between 2022 and 2024. The report underscores the pressing need for global and local initiatives to combat climate change and preserve these vital ice formations.
As nations around the world grapple with the multifaceted impacts of climate change, Bhutan’s proactive steps offer a glimpse of hope. However, experts emphasize that immediate, collaborative efforts are essential not only to protect the country’s unique mountain landscapes but also to secure the future of the freshwater supplies that millions depend upon.
In a world where the very fabric of nature is under threat, the call is clear: act now, invest in resilient early warning systems, and safeguard the natural treasures that sustain life on Earth for generations to come.
