Global glacier crisis: climate expert warns of catastrophic melting at cop30

A leading glaciologist is raising urgent concerns at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil about the accelerating collapse of Earth’s frozen regions, warning that rapidly melting glaciers worldwide are setting the stage for devastating floods, rising sea levels, and massive population displacement.

Miriam Jackson, Eurasia and Nordic director of the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, spoke with Living on Earth’s Paloma Beltran about the alarming state of the cryosphere—the frozen portion of our planet that includes glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost. As scientists gather for the 30th United Nations climate conference, Jackson’s message is clear: the world’s ice is disappearing faster than previously anticipated, with far-reaching consequences for communities across the globe.

The implications of this rapid ice loss extend far beyond rising ocean levels. As glaciers retreat, millions of people who depend on glacial meltwater for drinking water and agriculture face an uncertain future. Coastal communities worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, while the loss of reflective ice surfaces accelerates global warming by allowing the Earth to absorb more heat from the sun.

Jackson’s warnings underscore the critical importance of immediate climate action. The shrinking cryosphere represents one of the most visible and irreversible signs of climate change, serving as both a consequence of global warming and a driver of further environmental disruption. As world leaders convene in Brazil, the rapidly changing state of Earth’s frozen regions offers a stark reminder of what’s at stake in global climate negotiations.