Lucknow,

22 March (HS): Today, on World Water Day 2025, global leaders, scientists, and

environmental advocates gathered to hear Dr. Ajai Kumar Sonkar address one of

the most pressing challenges of our time: glacier preservation. In a powerful

keynote speech, Dr. Sonkar underscored the critical role glaciers play as the

foundation of life on Earth, urging immediate action to combat the devastating

effects of global warming.Glaciers: The Beating Heart of Our Ecosystems

Dr.

Ajai Kumar Sonkar spoke passionately about how glaciers are far more than

frozen relics—they are the lifeblood of our planet’s water systems, sustaining

rivers, regulating ocean currents, and shaping global climate patterns. He

highlighted that from the Himalayas to the Alps, and from the Antarctic to the

Arctic, these ice giants drive the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide.He

further explained that the Arctic and Antarctic glaciers, often perceived as

barren wastelands, serve as the lungs of our oceans. Dr. Sonkar

elaborated that by maintaining a vital temperature gradient, they power

deep-sea circulation—a global conveyor belt that distributes oxygen and

nutrients across thousands of miles. This process, he said, supports marine

biodiversity, fisheries, and the survival of deep-sea life, ultimately

sustaining human communities.The Crisis: Global Warming Threatens Glacial

Stability

Dr.

Ajai Kumar Sonkar warned of the alarming acceleration of glacial melt due to

rising global temperatures, which he described as an existential threat. He

spoke of how, as glaciers recede, ocean circulation patterns are disrupted,

risking a future where surface and deep-sea temperatures equalize. Should this

occur, he cautioned, the global conveyor belt could grind to a halt, creating

oxygen-deprived zones in the ocean. He further told the audience that the rise

of toxic hydrogen sulfide in these conditions could trigger a mass extinction

event, decimating marine life, forests, and terrestrial ecosystems.A Call to

Action: Protecting Our Glaciers

To

avert this looming catastrophe, Dr. Sonkar stressed that decisive measures are

imperative:Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: He urged a swift transition to

renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which he said is essential to

curb global warming and safeguard glacial integrity.Sustainable Water

Management: Dr. Sonkar spoke of the need to protect glacier-fed river basins to

ensure a reliable freshwater supply for millions.Technological Monitoring: He further

told attendees that advanced satellite systems must be deployed to track

glacial changes in real-time, enabling data-driven conservation efforts.Global

Collaboration: Dr. Sonkar emphasized that governments must unite in crafting

international treaties and initiatives to preserve glaciers for future

generations.A Future in Our Hands

Glaciers

are not just remnants of the Ice Age; they are the essence of life on our

planet, Dr. Ajai Kumar Sonkar said with conviction. If we fail to

act now, we risk the collapse of the systems that sustain us all. He

concluded by declaring that World Water Day 2025 marks a pivotal moment—a

collective commitment to securing the future of our glaciers, oceans, and Earth

itself.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi