The Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) has urged global efforts to preserve glaciers, stressing their vital role in sustaining the world’s freshwater resources.

APWEN chairperson, Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday to commemorate World Water Day (WWD).

The 2025 WWD theme is “Glacier Preservation.” Glaciers are vital – their meltwater provides drinking water, supports agriculture, powers industries, generates clean energy, and maintains healthy ecosystems.

Ms Owolabi noted that although Nigeria lacks glaciers, the melting of global ice masses impacts the nation through climate-related consequences.

She highlighted glaciers’ global influence on Nigeria and engineers’ roles, including water security and sea level rises.

Others are climate action, innovative water management and coastal protection.

“Glaciers act as reservoirs, regulating rivers. Melting glaciers disrupt water supplies, affecting farming, industries, and daily life, even in non-glacial regions.

“Melting increases sea levels, endangering coastal cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt with flooding, erosion, and loss of habitats,” she said.

Ms Owolabi noted that sustainable engineering reduces greenhouse gases, tackling the root cause of glacier melting, while efficient conservation ensures water security for the future.

“Resilient infrastructure defends communities from sea-level rise,” she said.

She said APWEN in Lagos has empowered female engineers to lead initiatives promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

“Together, we can foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience against climate change,” Ms Owolabi said.

(NAN)