Guide Note

The reduction of ice shelves and glaciers throughout the globe has environmental scientists speculating about the effects of climate change on the Earth's supply of ice. With 69% of the worlds fresh water locked up in glaciers and icecaps, global ice loss has become an issue of growing concern.

Fast Facts

1. 69% of fresh water is in glaciers and icecaps¹
2. 10% of the Earth is covered by glaciers
3. Bering Glacier is the largest glacier in the U.S.
4. Almost 500,000 sq/mi of sea ice depletion in the last three decades
5. 2007: United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) issued a report on the subject
6. Concerns include:
   • Rising sea levels
   • Lost access to drinking water
   • Increased risk of flooding
   • Acceleration of global warming
7. Sea level rises 0.005 inches per year

A 2007 U.N. report determined that glacial reduction in the mountains of Asia could have catastrophic effects for the 40% of the world's population that relies on the glaciers for drinking water and irrigation. The study determined that the current rate of sea rise as a result of the melting ice will expose millions to greater risk of flooding.²