Climate Change, Cryosphere Retreat, and Human Health

Abstract

The cryosphere, encompassing glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, and snow, plays a critical role in regulating climate and sustaining human wellbeing. However, climate change is driving widespread cryosphere degradation, intensifying geophysical and climate-related hazards that pose escalating risks to the public health and safety. The resulting decline in both the quantity and quality of cryosphere services also has severe consequences, particularly for populations in polar regions, high-altitude mountains, and their downstream areas. Furthermore, teleconnected climate systems can even extend cryosphere change impacts beyond these regions. It has been seen that increasing cryosphere-related hazards, such as glacial lake outburst floods and extreme winter events, heighten public health risks. Disrupted meltwater supply and ecosystem shifts inflict water and food insecurity in arid and semiarid regions, exacerbating malnutrition and disease burdens. Additionally, thawing permafrost may release ancient pathogens and toxic substances, increasing the risks of infectious disease outbreaks and severe environmental contamination. Addressing these cascading risks requires urgent interdisciplinary research, public awareness, and investment in adaptive strategies to strengthen societal resilience amid a rapidly changing cryosphere and safeguard public well-being.

Keywords: climate change; cryosphere; human health.

Figure 1

Cascading effects of cryosphere change due to global warming on environment and societies in terms of public health and wellbeing.