ADB Launches Regional Program to Tackle Glacial Melting Impacts
News Desk
Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a groundbreaking regional initiative, Glaciers to Farms, aimed at bolstering climate resilience and promoting sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan.
The program addresses the catastrophic effects of accelerated glacial melt triggered by climate change.
Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) under its Project Preparation Facility, the initiative will conduct comprehensive risk assessments of glacial melt in Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These studies will form the scientific foundation of the program, an ADB press release stated.
Alarming Projections & Regional Impact
With regional temperatures projected to rise by up to 6°C by 2100, glacial loss poses severe threats to ecosystems, agriculture, hydropower, and the livelihoods of over 380 million people. The initiative recognizes the urgent need for action to mitigate these risks.
At a COP29 side event, key officials from participating countries—including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—signed a declaration of support for glacier preservation. ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts, stating:
“As melting glaciers change water flows, disrupt lives, and destroy ecosystems, we must act now. This program will drive international collaboration and deliver results where they matter most—on the ground, in communities at risk.”
A Multibillion-Dollar Effort
The Glaciers to Farms program aims to mobilize up to $3.5 billion through ADB, GCF, government contributions, development partners, and private sector investments. It will prioritize water and agriculture investments and provide support to vulnerable mountain communities at risk from glacial melt.
Henry Gonzalez, GCF Chief Investment Officer, highlighted the program’s importance, stating:
“This initiative is instrumental in safeguarding precious water resources and empowering vulnerable populations who depend on mountain landscapes. Together, we can build a resilient and sustainable future.”
Tackling a Regional Crisis
Glaciers play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems by storing freshwater that feeds rivers for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water. The ongoing glacial shrinkage affects both upstream and downstream communities, causing water shortages, food insecurity, and infrastructure risks.
In addition to Glaciers to Farms, ADB is working on related projects across Asia, such as establishing early warning systems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya and enhancing climate resilience across South and Southeast Asia.
Global Call for Action
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation, while Tajikistan will host an International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe next year. These efforts underscore the global urgency to address the consequences of glacial melt and protect critical ecosystems for future generations.
