The International Skating Union (ISU) joins the global community in marking the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, highlighting the urgent need to protect these vital ice formations. As part of the United Nations (UN) “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation” (IYGP 2025), the ISU reinforces its commitment to sustainability and ice stewardship, recognizing the critical role glaciers play in global water systems and climate stability (read here). This initiative aligns with the ISU Vision 2030 and the organization’s comprehensive Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030.

The Urgency: Glaciers Are Disappearing at an Alarming Rate

Glaciers worldwide are melting faster than ever. Between 2000 and 2023, the planet lost an average of 273 billion tons of glacial ice per year, equivalent to 42 ice rinks disappearing every second. This rapid loss has devastating consequences:

• 700 million people rely on glaciers and snowmelt for freshwater.
• Nearly half of global sea level rise over the past century has been driven by melting glaciers.
• Up to 53% of glaciers can still be saved—but only if urgent action is taken now. 

See source of information here.

Raising Awareness Through Sport

To further amplify the message of glaciers’ preservation, the ISU has partnered with wild ice skater and environmental advocate Michaela Carrot. Through her wild ice-skating adventure series, Frozen Wonders, Michaela showcases the breathtaking beauty of glaciers while raising awareness about their fragility. Her latest video, created in collaboration with the ISU, highlights the urgency of protecting these natural wonders as part of the World Day for Glaciers campaign.

ISU’s Commitment to Sustainability and Climate Action

As part of its ISU Vision 2030 program and Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, the ISU is actively working to promote environmental awareness within the skating community and beyond. In November 2024, the ISU introduced new sustainability guidelines to encourage responsible practices at ISU events, including measures to reduce environmental impact and promote water conservation (read here). With glacial melt contributing to a 23 cm rise in sea levels since 1990, the urgency of these efforts is undeniable.

During the ISU World Speed Skating and Short Track Championships in Hamar (NOR) and Beijing (CHN), as well as the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships Boston (USA), these events serve as key platforms to educate fans, skaters, and stakeholders on the urgent issues of climate change and environmental conservation.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Climate Action

The ISU is committed to long-term climate action and will be working alongside other winter sports federations in 2025 to drive meaningful change. As part of the UN’s International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025), the ISU will soon announce initiatives for the 2025/26 season, ensuring the momentum for glaciers’ preservation continues well beyond 2025.

Join the Movement

As the world unites to mark World Day for Glaciers, the ISU urges the global community to take action. With time running out, every effort counts in the fight to preserve these essential natural wonders.