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Water crisis in the Andes could affect up to 90 million people. Scientists warn of growing risk as glaciers melt
The accelerated melting of glaciers in the Andes could directly affect the water supply of 90 million people in South America. The warning was given by scientists during the first World Glacier Day, held in Paris on March 21, 2025. The event was organized by UNESCO.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield presented worrying data. Glaciers in the Andes are melting at an accelerated rate, with an average loss of 0,7 meters per year. This is 35% faster than the global average. If nothing is done, some areas could lose all their ice cover by 2100.
Six countries impacted by melting Andean glaciers
The Andean glaciers are located high in the Andes Mountains. They extend across six countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. This region functions as a huge natural water tank, supplying families, hydroelectric plants, plantations, industries and livestock.
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The accelerated melting of the Andean glaciers is considered serious by scientists. During the event, a report called The Future of the Andean Water Towers. The document is the result of a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield and Newcastle.
The text shows that the reduction of ice is already having a direct impact on the amount of water available. The trend is for it to get worse. The lack of water could generate food and water insecurity in several communities in the region.
Climate change is the main cause
According to Dr Jeremy Ely, from the School of Geography and Planning at the University of Sheffield, the problem is a direct result of climate change. He points out that the first IPCC report on the subject was published in 1990, but little has been done since then.
"Our summary shows that what scientists have been predicting for years is coming true, and swift action needs to be taken if we have any hope of saving and preserving the glaciers that so many people depend on for their water.”, said Jeremy Ely.
Glaciers in the Andes are melting faster because air temperatures are rising. There are also more extreme events, such as long droughts, less snowfall and greater instability in the region's climate. All of this directly affects the existence of glaciers.
Fastest melting since 2000
The report shows that ice loss has accelerated in recent decades. Since 2000, the speed at which glaciers in the Andes have melted has been unprecedented. This is happening at the same time that greenhouse gas emissions are increasing worldwide.
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aimed to limit the increase in global temperature to a maximum of 1,5°C. The aim was to avoid severe impacts, such as water shortages, reduced agricultural production, economic losses and rising sea levels.
However, this limit has already been exceeded in several months of 2024. Current projections show that if global warming reaches 2°C or more, the tropical Andes could be almost ice-free by the end of the century.
Melting glaciers in the Andes: investments will be inevitable
The summary highlights that it will be necessary to go beyond reducing emissions. Water resource management will play a central role in the coming years. As the glaciers of the Andes disappear, the water supply will decrease. It will be necessary to build large reservoirs, such as dams.
These projects require high investment. Countries with fewer resources may have difficulty covering the costs. According to the researchers, this will increase inequality between nations. Those most vulnerable to climate change will suffer more and have fewer means to respond.
"This ice loss in the Andes needs urgent attention”, reinforced Dr. Ely. “This will increase stress on freshwater resources that communities and major cities downstream of glaciers depend on.".
Heat could reach 4,5°C in the region
The projections are alarming. The report indicates that by the end of the century, the average temperature in the Andes could rise by up to 4,5°C. If this happens, climate-related risks will multiply. The food and water security of millions of people will be threatened.
For Ely, the situation demands a global response. “All the targets that have been set have already been missed and failed, but the only way to preserve glaciers is to drastically reduce carbon emissions once and for all. The situation is serious, and it will take global cooperation to tackle climate change and make a meaningful difference for the communities around the world most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”.
The scientist concluded that the fight against climate change needs to be taken seriously. According to him, only with international effort will it be possible to make a real difference for the communities that are on the front line of this crisis.
With information from SciTechDaily.
