Contribution of glaciers to water, energy and food security in mountain regions: current perspectives and future priorities

Mountain glaciers are crucial sources of fresh water, contributing directly and indirectly to water, energy and food supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Assessing the impact of diminishing glacial meltwater contributions to the security of this resource is critical as we seek to manage and adapt to changing freshwater dynamics in a warming world. Both water quantity and quality influence water (in)security, so understanding the fluxes of water, sediment and contaminants through glacial and proglacial systems is required for holistic assessment of meltwater contribution to downstream resource security. In this paper we consider the socio-environmental role of and pressures on glacier-fed waters, discuss key research priorities for the assessment of both the quantity and quality of meltwater and reflect on the importance of situating our understanding within a transdisciplinary and inclusive research landscape.

Automated summary

Mountain glaciers are essential for freshwater supply, impacting water, energy, and food security for hundreds of millions of people. Assessing the decrease in glacial meltwater and its impact on resource security is crucial for managing changing freshwater dynamics in a warming world. Understanding the flow of water, sediment, and contaminants through glacial systems is necessary for evaluating meltwater contribution to downstream resource security. This paper discusses the socio-environmental role of glacier-fed waters, research priorities for assessing meltwater quantity and quality, and the importance of a transdisciplinary and inclusive research approach.