As the global community celebrates World Water Day 2025 on Saturday, with the theme: “Water and Climate Change: Preserving Glaciers,” it is vital to explore the importance of glaciers in sustaining life. These natural formations are key sources of freshwater, supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption.

The observance of this anniversary raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people worldwide who lack access to safe water. It also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by climate change on freshwater systems. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines a glacier as “a large, perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment, and often liquid water that originates on land and moves downslope under the influence of its own weight and gravity.”

Glaciers as Freshwater Sources

Glaciers are vital for storing freshwater. They contain approximately 75% of the world’s freshwater, and they release this stored water into rivers and lakes. This process is critical for sustaining human life, agriculture, and industries. It is essential to safeguard these freshwater sources to ensure that future generations can access clean water.

These large, slow-moving bodies of ice are formed from accumulated snow and play several roles. They help regulate the Earth’s climate and are considered indicators of climate change. The largest glaciers are found in Antarctica and Greenland, while other significant glaciers are located in mountain regions and near the poles.

The Fragile Balance of Glaciers and Global Warming

While glaciers help regulate global temperatures by reflecting sunlight, they are under threat from global warming. As temperatures rise, glaciers have been retreating at an alarming rate since the 1970s. This phenomenon, known as “glacier retreat,” has become one of the most visible effects of climate change. Glaciers are shrinking rapidly, and some have disappeared entirely. The Okjökull Glacier in Iceland, for instance, was officially declared dead in 2019. Similarly, the Chacaltayà Glacier in the Andes has also vanished due to the accelerating effects of climate change.

The melting of glaciers contributes significantly to rising sea levels. This, in turn, threatens coastal ecosystems, economies, and human settlements. Many coastal communities are experiencing the backflow of ocean water into freshwater sources, which exacerbates the shortage of clean water. The rise in sea levels is also leading to the flooding of coastal areas, displacing millions of people and causing severe environmental damage.

Nigeria’s Water Crisis and the Global Impact of Climate Change

Though Nigeria does not have glaciers, it is deeply affected by the impacts of climate change, including water scarcity. The country, home to over 230 million people, requires large quantities of freshwater every day to support its population. Unfortunately, ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption that depend on freshwater are under threat.

One of Nigeria’s major challenges is the lack of a reliable public water supply. This gap in service has given rise to the widespread sale of sachet water, commonly known as “pure water.” This water, along with bottled water, is often sold at prohibitively high costs, making it inaccessible to many citizens.

The Nigerian coastline is also experiencing intense flooding due to global warming. Flash floods are becoming more frequent, leading to the inundation of communities. Unfortunately, the country has failed to develop reliable drainage systems to manage floodwaters, leading to erosion and other environmental issues.

The Need for Sustainable Freshwater Systems in Nigeria

To address these challenges, Nigeria must develop sustainable systems for preserving freshwater. The debate over whether water should be a public utility or a private business has hindered progress. The country must focus on creating a more equitable and sustainable water management system.

The agricultural sector also faces serious challenges due to water scarcity. Innovative practices like aquaponics are gaining global attention, yet Nigeria’s river basins, which were established years ago, are no longer functioning optimally. As a result, food prices fluctuate dramatically at certain times of the year. The scarcity of water, especially during the dry season, exacerbates the perennial herdsmen-farmer conflicts.

Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Water Use

To ensure consistent food production, Nigeria must adopt year-round agricultural practices and modern irrigation techniques. These measures will help ensure that the country has a reliable water supply for both its population and its agricultural needs. By investing in sustainable water management systems and agriculture, Nigeria can protect its ecosystems, improve food security, and provide adequate freshwater for its citizens.