Leeds researchers lead global efforts to save glaciers

Internationally recognised experts at the forefront of global efforts to study and mitigate glacier loss are embarking on ambitious new projects to better assess the impact of the climate crisis on these outstanding – yet fragile – environments.

21 March 2025 marks the first-ever World Day for Glaciers. Launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, this pioneering initiative aims to raise awareness of the vital role glaciers, snow and ice play in the climate system and water cycle.

Researchers from water@leeds are leading the field in the study of what represents some of the most iconic landscapes on the planet. They’re hoping increased efforts to investigate the effects of rising global temperatures on some of the most extreme locations on Earth will reveal crucial clues as to the potential fate for communities living across the world.

The expedition will take them into the Western Cwm, where they believe intense solar radiation is melting the snow. As the meltwater refreezes, it may be warming the snow by several degrees, creating ice that’s much closer to its melting point than previously thought.

If their theory is correct, this process could be affecting other glaziers across the Himalayas – a crucial water source for the millions of people who live in the shadow of these mountains.

Operating more than six kilometres above sea level and half-a-kilometre above Everest Base Camp, the researchers will drill into the glacier and use boreholes to record ice temperatures.

Duncan said: "This trip will be the most physically and logistically demanding expedition I’ve ever been part of, and the unknowns are plentiful. We’re worried about whether our equipment will work at such high elevations, and if it does work, whether we’ll be able to collect and export our data effectively."

“Although we’ve worked at and around Base Camp on half-a-dozen occasions previously, this is the first time we’ve continued up-glacier and above the icefall.

This means we’re exploring new ground, and only a handful of scientists have walked this path before us. If we manage to capture any data, it will genuinely be the first of its kind.

Meanwhile, Professor Jonathan Carrivick (above)– also from the School of Geography – has joined an international team of researchers responding to the loss of glaciers.

The Glacier Stewardship Programme (GSP) aims to safeguard the planet’s glaciers, mitigate the impacts of their rapid melting and protect biodiversity.

The programme was established in response to growing fears many glaciers could disappear by the end of the century, and aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

Jonathan said: “The world’s populations face an extremely challenging future, where the loss of glaciers globally will drive rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and more intense droughts and famines.

“The GSP is made up of an exciting and ambitious group of internationally recognised academics. This offers me a chance to contribute to a network that should become far greater than the sum of its parts. The global issues the programme addresses are insurmountable without joined-up international policy-led action.”

The alliance of scientists will focus on three key priorities to address the challenges and consequences of glacier loss:

1. evaluating, testing and developing new technical approaches to help slow ice loss

2. transforming early-warning systems to protect communities from glacier-linked hazards in some of Earth’s most perilous mountain ranges; and

3. establishing a unique biobank – or microbial zoo – to preserve glacier biodiversity for future generations.

Duncan’s team will return on 16 May to begin analysing the data collected during their expedition. Meanwhile, the GSP will draft a white paper, from which Jonathan will draw insights to write a scientific paper and secure funding for further research.

 Learn more about Duncan’s expedition.