Contribution of glaciers to water, energy and food security in mountain regions: current perspectives and future priorities

Abstract

Mountain glaciers are crucial sources of fresh water, contributing directly and indirectly to water, energy and food supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Assessing the impact of diminishing glacial meltwater contributions to the security of this resource is critical as we seek to manage and adapt to changing freshwater dynamics in a warming world. Both water quantity and quality influence water (in)security, so understanding the fluxes of water, sediment and contaminants through glacial and proglacial systems is required for holistic assessment of meltwater contribution to downstream resource security. In this paper we consider the socio-environmental role of and pressures on glacier-fed waters, discuss key research priorities for the assessment of both the quantity and quality of meltwater and reflect on the importance of situating our understanding within a transdisciplinary and inclusive research landscape.

GC Insights: Lessons from participatory water quality research in the upper Santa River basin, Peru

“…ownership of smart devices and advanced technological skills were not required), offering guidance, and translation where needed. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted but are not considered in this article (for more information see Rangecroft et al (2023)). Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data coded and analysed using an emergent thematic framework to identify key themes.…”

“…Water quality directly impacts the lives of water users (Azevêdo et al, 2022), yet local perspectives, knowledge, and emotions are often not considered (Dextre et al, 2022). Furthermore, water quality can be a secondary consideration to water quantity, despite being closely intertwined in water insecurity (Clason et al, 2023;Rangecroft et al, 2023). Water quality is a complex, multifaceted issue, which can be judged by indicators such as acidity, clarity, smell, taste, or chemical composition (Flotemersch and Aho, 2021).…”