Did you play outside today? You might have been thirsty when you came inside. A long drink of cool water, whether from a water fountain or the kitchen faucet, probably tasted great.

That drink of water might not have seemed like a big deal to you, but for millions of people around the world, it would have been a dream come true.

Each year, the United Nations recognizes World Water Day on March 22. This year, the theme of World Water Day is Glacier Preservation. This week, The Mini Page learns more about glaciers and preserving our water.

What’s a glacier?

A glacier is a large body of ice that moves down a slope, pulled by its own weight. Glaciers form over many years where snow and ice accumulate more than they melt or evaporate.

Glaciers are crucial for life. They're like giant frozen reservoirs of fresh water. As they melt, they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industry, energy production and healthy ecosystems.

Glaciers also help regulate Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere. When they melt, the darker landscape absorbs heat, and temperatures rise.

Too much melting

Today, glaciers are melting faster as the planet gets warmer. As glaciers melt, they can contribute to flooding, droughts, landslides and rises in sea level. These changes can threaten human communities and animal habitats.

Water Fact-a-Roonies

• About 70% of the world’s fresh water is in snow or ice.

• Almost 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers for drinking, agriculture and energy.

• Today's average sea level is almost 8 inches higher than it was in 1900.

• In 2023, glaciers lost more than 600 gigatons of water.

• The same amount of water exists on Earth today as when the planet was formed more than 4.5 billion years ago!

• If all the glaciers melted, sea levels might rise by almost 200 feet! This could flood entire cities on the coasts.

Saving glaciers

Scientists believe that if people can limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can slow the melting of glaciers and keep water flowing in places that might dry up otherwise.

Mini Fact:

The A23a iceberg has been in the news lately. It's floating toward South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.