Andean glaciers are receding at a rate 35% faster than the global average, thinning by approximately 0.7 meters annually. In high-emission scenarios, projections show the Tropical Andes may face near-total glacier loss by 2100. Even under optimistic conditions, these regions are expected to lose 30-98% of their ice mass, while glaciers across the southern Andes could lose 8-35%. Such losses will reduce meltwater availability, particularly during dry seasons, threatening food and water security, hydroelectric power generation, and industrial water usage.
Many regions have already passed the point of "peak water," the phase of maximum glacier melt, beyond which freshwater availability declines. This shift will disproportionately affect water-intensive industries and urban centers downstream, especially during drought periods when meltwater serves as a critical buffer.
As glaciers shrink, high-altitude wetlands, known locally as bofedales, are becoming essential as alternative water sources. These wetlands act as natural water and carbon reservoirs, supporting biodiversity and local pastoralist economies. However, wetlands near glaciers are particularly vulnerable to glacial retreat and are further threatened by human activities such as overgrazing, mining, and infrastructure development.
Protecting these ecosystems is vital for long-term water security. Studies indicate wetlands can buffer low water flows during dry seasons, contributing up to 75% of streamflow in some areas. Their potential role in climate change adaptation strategies cannot be overstated.
For industries operating in or reliant on resources from the Andean region, the retreat of glaciers represents a growing risk to water security and supply chain stability. Sectors such as mining, agriculture, and energy must integrate glacier loss into climate risk assessments and resilience planning.
Adaptation strategies should include:
The loss of glacier mass in the Andes is not just a local environmental concern but a regional economic and geopolitical issue with global repercussions. Businesses must prepare for a future where natural water reserves are depleted and competition for resources intensifies. Proactive adaptation, informed by science and local engagement, is key to sustaining operations and contributing to climate resilience in one of the world’s most vital water towers.
