The United Nations General Assembly adopted without a vote was a resolution titled “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, 2025–2034” (document A/78/L.99). By its terms, the Assembly proclaimed the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences to address the challenges associated with melting glaciers and changes to the cryosphere by advancing related scientific research and monitoring.
Introducing that text, the representative of France, speaking also on behalf of Tajikistan, spotlighted the vulnerability of glaciers and poles to climate change and their role in regulating climate, ocean levels and preserving biodiversity. Describing the cryosphere — the frozen components of the Earth’s system — as “an essential resource for our planet’s equilibrium”, she said that more than 30 countries, with the support of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), have launched an international appeal for the poles and glaciers, committing to launch a Decade of Cryospheric Sciences from 2025 to 2034. “This UN Decade will provide a political impetus needed to make this issue a priority on the multilateral agenda,” she said.
To read the press release, click here.