Practicing Climate Action SDG13. Taking action to combat climate change, embarking on the source of Urumqi River, Xinjiang Tianshan Glacier No. 1 and Sichuan Dagu Glacier, practicing “When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source. Same Toots, Same Heart”, tracing back to the source of fresh water (SDG6). Fostering two-places integration, inclusive communities, sharing of the economic achievements, harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Climate Goals.

I love doing something to help nature and society, not just for now, but also for future.

– W.L. Hung, CEO

Safeguard the last piece of pure land on the Earth, Let the Glacier Cool, Let the Ocean Breathe, run through the pulse to Urban Wildlife Corridor, draw a Green-blueprint – integration of glacier, land, ocean, promote green development, nurture biodiversity, promote the sustainability of humans and nature

“Let the Glacier Cool” advocates:

1. “When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source” Practices Climate Action SDG13, Safeguarding Glacier and Water
2. Glacier is a Vital Contributor to Freshwater (Drinking Water) and Biodiversity
3. “Green-blueprint: Integration of Glacier, Land, Ocean” Addressing the Climate Crisis and Poverty
4. “Integration of Humans, Society, Economy and Nature ” Moving the World Towards a Bright Future of Sustainable Development
5. “Two-Places Integration” Activity Promoting Conservation, Education, Science Outreach, and Cultural Exchange
6. Green Economy, Green Financing (Climate Finance), Green Transition, and Clean Energy Reduce Carbon Emissions and Mitigate Global Warming
7. Orderly Promotion of Green Development to Build a Livable Planet, Practice the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 1.5 Climate Goals
8. The “Belt and Road Initiative” Cooperates with Developing Countries, Especially in Green Energy Industry, Agricultural Production Capacity, and Ecological Construction
9. The United Nations (UN) Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification, Framework Convention on Climate Change, Water Action Agenda, Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
10. The United Nations (UN) 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, World Day for Glaciers 21 March, World Water Day 22 March, World Bee Day 20 May, World Oceans Day 8 June

For some people who especially live in the cities, it is hard for them to understand the value of nature such as glaciers, land, oceans, wildlife animals, insects, plants, rivers, forests, and beautiful nature landscapes etc. The fact is that nature supports our society, economy, life and future, including nurturing the most important elements of human life – Water, Food and Air. We shouldn’t consider that nature is free, and often take it for granted and overexploit it.

Human survival is inseparable from water, food and air. Glaciers conserve clean freshwater resources, and water nourishes land with rich nutrients; Water, rich in nutrients, flows to land along “Urban Wildlife Corridor”, nurturing food and biodiversity. Water then follows rivers and merges into oceans to “Let the Ocean Breathe”. Oceans exhale oxygen, and absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to “Let the Glacier Cool”; Glaciers maintain a balance of accumulation and ablation, stabilize the planet’s temperatures, enable sustainable water resources. This recurring force of nature ultimately allows the health, peace and prosperity of humans and nature to develop sustainably.

The “Integration of Glacier, Land, Ocean”, taking a “As a whole” approach to take care of the Earth and “Let the Earth Cool”. By protecting the glaciers, we protect the land; by protecting the land, we protect the oceans; by protecting the oceans, we protect the glaciers. Nature and humans are closely linked, influencing and relying on each other.

Glaciers cover about 11% of the Earth’s land area and contain about 70% of the world’s fresh water resources. They play an important role in regulating the Earth’s temperature, global thermal balance and water balance. Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day: “The Andes Mountains, which supply half of the water flowing into the Amazon River, have lost between 30 and 50% of their glaciers since the 1980s and could lose 97% of their icecaps by the end of the century. The glaciers of Mount Kenya, Rwenzori and Kilimanjaro will disappear entirely by 2040 if no action is taken, while the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayan system, commonly referred to as the ‘Third Pole’, is projected to lose half of its glacier volume by the year 2100.”

The “Green-blueprint” advocates the philosophy of “Integration of Glacier, Land, Ocean” to take action to address the climate crisis and poverty, and drive humanity towards a bright future of sustainable development.

Due to the fact that glaciers, land, and oceans have always been less well-known by the outside world, they are considered to be just a geographical division and name, so that the public ignores their absolute importance to the survival of humans and organisms. The “Green-blueprint – Glacier and Water, Land and Food, Ocean and Air” represent the conservation and education programmes of “Let the Glacier Cool, Urban Wildlife Corridor, and Let the Ocean Breathe” respectively, and are closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Goals. The purpose is to inspire people to live in balance with nature and fundamentally protect the most important elements of human life – water, food and air.

“When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source” traces back to the source of fresh water and safeguards glaciers and water. Have you ever wondered where the water we drink every day comes from? The answer is “Glacier”. To protect glaciers and the freshwater resources on which humans depend, we must control temperature rise by reducing emissions, so as to fundamentally “Let the Glacier Cool” and protect these frozen water towers.

Protecting the freshwater resources of billions of people worldwide – the “White Giants (Glaciers).” Glaciers store approximately 70% of Earth’s freshwater, serving as natural freshwater reservoirs. Meltwater from glaciers supports drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Glaciers also play a vital role in regulating climate and protecting against natural disasters. Protecting glaciers is crucial to the well-being of the global community. Therefore, implementing sustainable glacier management and promoting international scientific cooperation are important steps in protecting freshwater resources and river sources.

Green Economy, Environment-Society, Green (Eco) Living. On March 21, 2023, Will Legend founded the “Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education Programme and became the founding organization. In the same year, Will Legend was very honored to invite the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Dagu Glacier Administration Bureau as co-sponsors. Will Legend aims to connect different sectors to take action to address global challenges, advocates “Use natural resources moderately for economic development, and then give back to nature and society with economic achievements” , achieving “Integration of Humans, Society, Economy and Nature”, and driving humanity towards a bright future of sustainable development.

“2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation”. In December 2022, the UN General assembly adopted the resolution to declare 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, accompanied by the proclamation of the 21st of March of each year as the World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025. This initiative seeks to raise global awareness on the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere. This year also marks the “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong”, Will Legend hopes to promote the protection of the “White Giant” and protect the river source of the people of both places through “When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source”. By visiting the source of Urumqi River, Tianshan Glacier No. 1, the public will better understand the importance of protecting “Glacier” to humans, society, economy and nature.

The 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR) focuses on mountain waters and their critical role as the world’s “Water Towers”. The report emphasizes mountains as essential sources of freshwater, vital for meeting basic human needs, ensuring food and energy security for billions of people both in mountain regions and downstream areas. The UN WWDR 2025 highlights the urgent challenges mountain water systems are facing, particularly the rapidly changing mountain cryosphere due to global climate change. The report draws special attention to the accelerating glacier melt, decreasing snow cover, and increasing permafrost thaw, which are making water flows from mountains more erratic and uncertain. SDG-in-China™ Research Trip and Academic Study Tour embark on the source of Urumqi River, Tianshan Glacier No. 1 to practice ““When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source. Same Toots, Same Heart”. Awakens the “White Giant” to protect glaciers, glacial water resources (freshwater resources), and the cryosphere. “Let the Glacier Cool” calls on more people to pay attention to climate change and the climate crisis through action, and protect the world’s water tower.

“Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education Programme advocates for the protection of glaciers, glacial water resources, the snowline, and the cryosphere. Taking the Xinjiang Tianshan Glacier No. 1 and Sichuan Dagu Glacier as the starting points, and promoting “Let the Glacier Cool” to cool the Earth and slow down the rate of glacier melting. On December 28, 2023, Will Legend presented the “Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Landmark” to the Dagu Glacier Adminstration Bureau as a symbol of promoting cultural exchanges and national integration between the Mainland of China and Hong Kong, and opening a new chapter of friendship between the people of the two places. Through the country’s first glacier protection joint action, the “Third Pole Glacier Journey” has been launched, and the first “Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Museum” was established on the Dagu Glacier on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In the same year, Will Legend took the lead in injecting start-up funds into the “Glacier Research and Talent Training Programme” of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, as a means of training scientific research talents, promoting the sustainable development of glacier ecology and glacial water resources.

Will Legend is honored to be the initiator of the “Let the Glacier Cool” with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Through our collaboration, we connect Hong Kong’s strength to the mainland of China and even to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS), etc., to jointly support climate action and protect endangered glaciers. The year 2025 represents an important milestone in glacier protection. On March 22, the theme of the United Nations World Water Day 2025 is “Glacier Preservation”. This year is also the launching year of the United Nations’ “2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation”, the first “World Day for Glaciers” and the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences”. Will Legend hopes to connect the two places and different sectors to jointly promote “Let the Glacier Cool”, practice “When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source. Same Roots, Same Heart” to protect precious water sources (glaciers), and trace the origins of Chinese culture.

“Nature and humans are closely linked, influencing and relying on each other.” Wind carries the message of nature

The world in 2050 is so polluted that plants, animals and insects are almost extinct. Humans have changed from groups to cold individuals, no longer valuing the people around them, their families and their communities.

“War and pollution have made the Blue Planet no longer be seen. No one knows what nature is. Even the elements of human life, such as water, food and air, are artificially produced. Biodiversity has been lost and the ecosystem has been destroyed. There are no rivers, lakes, wetlands or forests on the Earth anymore. There are no healthy glaciers, land and oceans.” Wind said

“Safeguard the last piece of pure land on the Earth, Let the Glacier Cool, Let the Ocean Breathe, run through the pulse to Urban Wildlife Corridor, draw a Green-blueprint – integration of glacier, land, ocean, promote green development, nurture biodiversity, promote the sustainability of humans and nature.” Willy Bee said

“As long as you stick to your original aspirations and protect the Rio Conventions on Sustainable Development, the covenant between mankind and God, God will guide you, and the Legend of Will (Will Legend) is still going to be told!” Flowery Delek said

“Pray in the wind, unity of heaven and humanity. You need to collect polar gems such as ice, snow, and permafrost, and then form a magic cryosphere to awaken the White Giant.” Flowery Delek said

“Protect the last piece of pure land on Earth! The white giant is the guardian of the world’s water tower, protecting the fresh water resources of billions of people.” Willy Bee keeps thinking about the hint from nature in his heart

Therefore, Willy Bee spread his wings and set off with the wind, carrying Flowery. Facing with an unpredictable and uncontrollable future, Willy Bee and Flowery are trembling with fear, searching step by step for the source of water power. Suddenly, the time tunnel opens again.

“Please believe that everything is the best arrangement. As long as we keep our faith and confidence and persevere to the end, we will be able to release the 3060 dual carbon power of the ‘Green-blueprint’, neutralize greenhouse gases, and promote the sustainable development of humans and nature.” Captain Mat of the Barefoot Elf said

“You have to cross the Tianshan Tianger Peak No. 1 Glacier, which is full of water power, and search for the ‘Young Guardians of Glacier’ along the Urumqi River to obtain the power number 322 and the key to open the world’s water tower, and decode the ‘water’ seed of life; you also have to fly over the ‘Glacier in the Deep Ravine’ that will disappear in 2030, and use the power number 321 to establish the legendary ‘Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Landmark’ with super new energy power to Let the Glacier Cool.” Captain Mat said

From that moment on, Willy Bee and Flowery receive full support from Captain Mat and the other three barefoot elves. They learn the spirit of the Sustainable Development Agenda, work together to awaken humanity’s attention to the health of the Earth from “Xi”, unite all sectors, promote shared economic achievements, inclusive society, and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through the activities of conservation, education and social-philanthropy, and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Goal initiatives.

“Let the Glacier Cool” Experiential Learning:

1. Glaciers: Glaciers cover about 11% of the Earth’s land area and contain about 70% of the world’s fresh water resources. They play an important role in regulating the Earth’s temperature, global thermal balance and water balance
2. Power Number 321: The United Nations designated March 21 as World Glacier Day, calling on the world to take action to protect glaciers. More than 2 billion people worldwide rely on glaciers and snowmelt for water
3. Power Number 322: The United Nations designated March 22 as World Water Day to draw the world’s attention to the importance of fresh water and promote the sustainable management of fresh water resources to solve the global water crisis
4. “Water” Seed of Life: Glaciers store nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s fresh water, making them the world’s water towers. Ensuring fresh water supply for billions of people around the world is vital
5. Rio Conventions: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity are collectively known as the three major Rio Conventions
6. Cryosphere: The cryosphere, composed of glaciers, snow, ice and permafrost, it plays an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate and ecosystem stability
7. Urumqi River: The Urumqi River originates from Glacier No. 1 near Tianger II Peak in the Central Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang – Tianshan Glacier No. 1
8. “Young Guardians of Glacier”: Chinese glaciologists, meteorologists and experts
9. World Water Towers: Glaciers are natural freshwater reservoirs whose meltwater supports drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry and ecosystems
10. The Disappearing “Glaciers in the Deep Ravine”: In 2024, the Global Glacier Disappearance List (GGCL) project selected glaciers that are about to melt away and have scientific research and socio-economic value as representatives from around the world to show the world the dramatic changes in glaciers and the urgency of protecting them. Dagu Glacier is included as the only glacier in China that is expected to disappear by 2030
11. “Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Landmark”: On December 28, 2023, Mr. William Hung, CEO of Will Legend presented the “Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Landmark” to the Dagu Glacier Management Bureau as a symbol of promoting cultural exchanges and ethnic integration between the Mainland of China and Hong Kong, and opening a new chapter of friendship between the people of the two places
12. 3060 Dual Carbon Power: Carbon Peak in 2030 and Carbon Neutrality in 2060
13. Let the Glacier Cool: Will Legend is the initiator of the “Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education programme. The programme takes Xinjiang Tianshan Glacier No. 1 and Sichuan Dagu Glacier as starting points to promote the sustainable development of glaciers, glacial water resources and cryosphere, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate goals
14. “Xi”: On June 12, 2024, President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech to the opening ceremony of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. President Xi pointed out that China will help implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

On March 21, 2023, Will Legend founded the “Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education Programme, becoming its founding organization. On September 5 of the same year, Will Legend received a response from Researcher Wang Feiteng of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, expressing his full support for the “Let the Glacier Cool”.

On December 28, 2023, Will Legend presented the “Third Pole Hong Kong Glacier Landmark”, a bridge of friendship between Hong Kong and the Mainland of China, to the Dagu Glacier Administration Bureau. From that moment on, Will Legend, the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Dagu Glacier Administration Bureau together launched the First in the Country of Glacier Preservation for Joint Action. In the same year, the first phase of the “The Third Pole (HK) Glacier Museum” was completed, laying the foundation for connecting science outreach activities between the two places.

In April 2024, the first SDG-in-China™ Academic Study Tour, with 128 teachers and students, set foot on the Dagu Glacier at an altitude of 4,860 meters and walked into the embrace of the “White Giants”. By November of the same year, “Let the Glacier Cool” facilitated the first-ever “Sister School Scheme” between two schools in Hong Kong and Sichuan, enriched Hong Kong students’ learning experiences, deepened their understanding of their motherland, and fostered the collaborative development of education between the two regions. Throughout 2024, a total of four schools embarked on the “Third Pole Glacier Journey”, stepped into the cryosphere to witness the alarming rate of glacial retreat caused by climate change. Through the science outreach activities specially customized for Will Legend by Wang Feiteng, director of the Tianshan Glaciological Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the protection of glaciers, glacial water resources, snow lines and cryosphere is put into practice.

On March 16, 2025, “2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation” Dagu Glacier International Academic Summit Forum. Liss Marie Andreassen, President, International Association of Cryospheric Sciences; Qin Dahe, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, President of the Chinese Society of Cryosphere Sciences (CSCS); Yao Tandong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Co-chair of Third Pole Environment (TPE) Science Committee, President of the China Society on Tibetan Plateau; Feng Qi, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director General of Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences. They delivered speeches in succession. The academic forum passed keynote reports, special reports, and the “Let the Glacier Cool” Initiative, safeguarding Glaciers, Glacial Water Resource, Cryosphere. William Hung of Will Legend, as the representative of Hong Kong, China, was also a co-organizer and member of the Scientific Committee. During the expert keynote speech, Will Legend, from a perspective beyond scientists, proposed using the “Let the Glacier Cool” science outreach activities—SDG-in-China™ Research Trip, Academic Study Tour, and 1.5°C-Climate Action™ Forum to raise awareness of glacier protection among teachers, students, and the public. This would provide exposure for scientists’ work, attract more attention from society and gain support from businesses.

On March 17, 2025, a significant cryosphere-themed event was held, marking a milestone in bringing the “Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education Programme to the motherland and onto the international stage. Will Legend connected the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang Tianshan Glacier National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station (Tianshan Glaciological Station), Polar Research Institute of China, Ministry of Natural Resources, Dagu Glacier Administration Bureau and “Center for Glacier Research” of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, jointly promoted the “Let the Glacier Cool” Initiative on the Dagu Glacier. Through public participation, a group of scientists took action to call on more people to pay attention to global climate change. Glacier melting is not just about the balance of our ecosystem, it is also closely linked to global water security, and the climate stability!

On August 2, 2025, Hong Kong representative and participating expert, William Hung, attended the 2025 “Changes of Alpine Snow and Ice and The Impacts” Annual Academic Conference. Topics included the 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation activities, snow and ice observation and research, scientific research methods, and talent development. Experts in related fields were invited to give keynote reports. Researcher and Academic Director of TGS, Li Zhongqin reported on the “Progress Report on Glacier Research at Tianshan Glacier Station”, leading ice and snow and hydrology experts to discuss the protection of glaciers and glacial water resources. Researcher Wang Feiteng presented a report on “Research and Application of Glacier Protection Measures” highlighting the significant science outreach achievements of the “Let the Glacier Cool”, a joint initiative between Will Legend and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Tianshan Glaciological Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Tianshan Glacier Station), a national science education base, provides field internship support for disciplines including physical geography, geographic information systems, hydrology and water resources, resources and environment, and human geography. Since its establishment in 2013, the Tianshan Glaciological Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences summer university joint internship programme, the “Scientific Research Start-up Programme” has signed cooperation agreements with relevant colleges of eight universities, providing undergraduate students with a research internship base and exchange platform, nurturing their careers in scientific research.

“2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation” Dagu Glacier International Academic Summit Forum. During the meeting, CCTV and Hunan TV were present to conduct interviews. Hong Kong representative William Hung and a group of scientists were interviewed about the impact of climate warming on glacier melting, and called on the public to protect the World’s Water Tower through low-carbon living, climate action and sustainable development goals. William said the reason for establishing the “Third Pole Glacier Journey” was to bring Hong Kong teachers, students, business and organization representatives to the Third Pole of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to experience the rapid melting of glaciers, so that they can more deeply appreciate the importance of protecting glaciers, glacial water source and the cryosphere. This is a practical action to implement glacier conservation. Through popular science, nature education and environmental conservation, the public can understand the importance of living in balance with nature. The “Let the Glacier Cool” Conservation and Education Programme founded by Will Legend made a historic appearance on the Central Radio and Television Station (CCTV13 News)’s special topic on glacier protection, fully reflecting the recognition of all sectors for the initiative.

CCTV13 News Interview Footage Source:
World Day for Glaciers – Chinese and foreign scientists responded to UN initiatives with various activities

Mountain waters (glacial water) are essential to humans and ecosystems. As part of the important “World’s Water Towers”, mountains are an essential source of fresh water (“When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source”). They store water in the form of ice and snow during cold seasons, releasing it during warmer seasons as a major source of fresh water for people downstream.

“When Drinking Water, Remember Its Source” traces back to the source of fresh water and safeguards glaciers and water. To protect glaciers and the freshwater resources on which humans depend, we must control temperature rise by reducing emissions, so as to fundamentally “Let the Glacier Cool” and protect these frozen water towers. The 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR) focuses on mountain waters and their critical role as the world’s ‘water towers’. The report emphasizes mountains as essential sources of freshwater, vital for meeting basic human needs, ensuring food and energy security for billions of people both in mountain regions and downstream areas. The UN WWDR 2025 highlights the urgent challenges mountain water systems are facing, particularly the rapidly changing mountain cryosphere due to global climate change. The report draws special attention to the accelerating glacier melt, decreasing snow cover, and increasing permafrost thaw, which are making water flows from mountains more erratic and uncertain.

People living on the “Roof of the World” understand the value of clean water and pure land. There are many ancient glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau (the Third Pole, Asian Water Tower) including Xinjiang. Glacier is magnificent, but it becomes very helpless and vulnerable when it faces the enemy of climate change. Glaciers have a very important function, which is to regulate solid and liquid water (glacier accumulation and glacier ablation). Climate warming caused by greenhouse gases has accelerated the melting of glaciers and the meltwater from glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, eventually leading to rising lake levels and flooding grasslands and villages. Another situation is that, if the glaciers disappear due to rapid melting, the lakes and oases will also become dry land, and the livestock and local people that depend on it will not be able to continue.

With over 2 billion people depending on glacier and snowmelt for freshwater—and projections showing that one-third of glacier sites could disappear by 2050—raising awareness and taking action to protect these vital ecosystems is urgent. It is in this context and to celebrate World Day for Glaciers (21 March) and World Water Day (22 March) that UNESCO and partners are launching the 2025 edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers, which highlights the importance of mountain waters for the Planet. At the same time, it promotes Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) – clean drinking water and sanitation to address the global water crisis.

World Water Day Calls for “Save Our Glaciers – the White Giants, Let the Glacier Cool”. Glaciers and Water belong to the same entity and complement each other. The cryosphere, composing glaciers, snow, ice and permafrost, plays an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate and ecosystem stability. The cryosphere is crucial for regulating sea levels and ensuring the supply of fresh water for billions of people around the world. However, as glaciers and ice sheets melt, the effects ripple across the globe, threatening water supplies and increasing the risk of catastrophic natural events.

The glaciers in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the huge glaciers in Xinjiang, such as the Qilian Mountains, Altai Mountains, Tianshan Mountains and Kunlun Mountains form clean glacial water sources. Here is the starting point of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, the mother rivers of the Chinese, and also the birthplace of 13 rivers in Asia, including the Mekong River, the Indus River, and the Ganges River. There is also the only river in China that flows northward into the Arctic Ocean – the Irtysh River, originating from the Altai Mountains. There are 50,000 square kilometers of lakes, 100,000 square kilometers of glaciers, 300,000 square kilometers of perennial snow, and more than 9 trillion cubic meters of water resources, which involve the survival and development of more than 2 billion people, so it is called the “Asian Water Tower”. According to the traditional Tibetan saying, Mount Gangdise is the “father of all mountains” and Lake Manasarovar (Mapang Yongcuo Lake) is “the source of all waters”, all mountains and waters in the world originate from this place.

The “White Giants” is the guardian of the World’s Water Tower. The Urumqi River originates from the Glacier No. 1 near Tianger II Peak in the central Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang – Tianshan Glacier No. 1. Preserving glaciers is vital for the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) has selected more than 40 glaciers to represent mountain glaciers around the world, and Tianshan Glacier No. 1 is the only reference glacier located in China. Will Legend and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences are promoting the sustainable management of glaciers and water resources through the “Let the Glacier Cool” programme to protect the Urumqi River, and the “Asian Water Tower”.

The “White Giants – Glaciers” play an essential role in the global water cycle, storing nearly two-thirds of all the freshwater on Earth — they are the World’s Water Towers. “Let the Glacier Cool” calls for global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. Let the “World Water Tower”, “Asian Water Tower” continue to fulfill the mission given by nature and protect water, an important element of life for humans and living things.

Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20% of animal protein to about 3 billion people; Over 80% of the human diet is provided by plants; As many as 80% of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare. The United Nations established the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (also known as the Biodiversity Plan) with the purpose of promoting the belief of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It is hoped that different countries, organizations, and sectors can support the implementation of diversity in their own ways.

Regarding biodiversity, it is easier for the public to understand that there are many types of plants and animals, and a large number of microorganisms are included. But it turns out that real biodiversity also includes ecosystems such as glaciers, rivers, forests, lakes, deserts, grasslands and oceans. To put it simply, all species on the Earth are interconnected. Each ecosystem has different connections, interactions and influences, and in the end, a beautiful Earth can be achieved.

Safeguard the last piece of pure land on Earth, let the glacier cool, let the ocean breathe, run through the pulse to wildlife corridor, draw a “Green-blueprint”, build a cradle of ecosystem, nurture biodiversity, make human health and prosperity sustainable. Will Legend protects glaciers and water resources, food and biodiversity, marine ecology and clean air through the Glacier, Land and Ocean Programmes respectively.

Researcher Wang Feiteng stated that geoengineering currently relies primarily on solar radiation management (SRM) technologies to mitigate the loss of ice sheets and mountain glaciers. This involves increasing the reflectivity of Earth’s surface to solar radiation. This technology has the potential to offset 60% of the radiative forcing caused by a fourfold increase in carbon dioxide levels, thereby counteracting the impact of ice sheets on sea level rise.

In August 2021, professor Wang Feiteng, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Cryosphere Monitoring Program (GCW) Expert Team and Third Pole Regional Climate Service Center (TPRCC) expert team member, led a team to the Dagu Glacier in Heishui County of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province to conduct experiments on slowing glacier melting. The energy required for glacier ablation mainly comes from the short-wave radiation of the sun. The absorption of short-wave radiation by glaciers mainly depends on the albedo of the glacier surface. In the two-month experiment, the melting speed of the glacier covered with insulating blankets was significantly slower. Compared with the glacier without any protective measures, the thickness of the melting slowed down to 1 meter.

From June 26 to September 17, 2023, researcher Wang Feiteng , doctoral candidate Xie Yi-Da and other scientific researchers formed a research team. Through field observations and numerical simulations, the study focused on the No. 21 Bailanghe Glacier in the Qilian Mountains and analyzed the coverage and future of the glacier. Differences in the matter and energy balance of the covered area were analyzed in depth. It was discovered that geotextiles could decrease ice melt by up to 1000 mm w.e. in comparison to the surface of glaciers without cover, primarily because of a 23% increase in albedo compared to ice, leading to a decrease in net short-wave radiation and available melt energy. The effect of covering the entire glacier with a geotextile, which has varying albedo properties, was also simulated. It was found that, with every 5% increase in the albedo of the geotextile, ablation was reduced by 10%–25%, resulting in a decrease in ice volume loss of approximately 2.5 × 105 m3. While artificially covering glaciers can reduce ablation rates, it faces challenges such as high costs, environmental risks, and issues with replicability. Ultimately, this study aims to analyze the feasibility of glacier coverage from a mechanistic perspective for glacier management amidst ongoing climate change. (“Advances in Climate Change Research” in October 2024)

On March 20 to 21, 2025, Chinese Glaciologists, Meteorologists and Expert Representatives, including Professor Yao Tandong, Professor Li Zhongqin, Professor Wang Feiteng etc., attended a High-level Event at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to jointly celebrate the First World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day 2025, and Mr. Yao Tandong made a speech for Session 1 – Scientific Research: Cryosphere Observation and Modelling. As part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, a joint celebration of the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day highlights the accelerating threat of glacier melt and its impact on water security, communities and ecosystems. With glaciers melting at record rates, the joint celebration will highlight the importance of “White Giants” as guardians of the “World’s Water Tower” for the billions of people who depend on them.

Xinjiang Tianshan Glacier No. 1 is the oldest glacier observed in China, having been observed for over 65 years since 1959. The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) has selected over 40 glaciers to represent global mountain glaciers, with Tianshan Glacier No. 1 being the only one located in China. As one of the ten glaciers monitored globally, it provides a good indicator of glacier changes in China and across Central Asia.

Glaciers in Xinjiang are primarily continental and mountain glaciers. The glaciers in the Tomur Peak area of the Tianshan Mountains are continental glaciers, characterized by low temperatures, slow accumulation and melting, and relatively slow movement. The glaciers on Muztagh Ata Peak on the Pamir Plateau are mountain glaciers, generally smaller than continental glaciers, developed in mountainous areas, and significantly influenced by topography.

Glaciers in Xinjiang account for approximately 43% of the national total, primarily distributed in the Tianshan, Kunlun, Altai, and Pamir Plateau. Xinjiang’s Karakoram Mountains are the world’s highest, largest, and thickest alpine snow belt. The Pamir Plateau is China’s third-largest mountain range, after the Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains, and is characterized by the development of mountain glaciers.

In 2024, Sichuan Dagu Glacier was selected by the World Glacier Monitoring Service and UNESCO as a global priority glacier for rescue. In the same year, the Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL) highlights 18 renowned glaciers worldwide, chosen due to their impending disappearance and their significant scientific and economic value, to raise awareness on the drastic changes glaciers are undergoing and the urgency of their preservation. Dagu Glacier is the only glacier from China included in the list is projected to disappear by 2030. In May 2025, at the first UN International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation held in Tajikistan, the Chinese government delegation cited the protection of Dagu Glacier as a typical case of China’s implementation of UN initiatives.

“Green-blueprint 1.5°C” mitigates climate change (global warming), safeguarding “Glacier, Land, Ocean”. In its 2022 report, UNESCO pointed out that if global warming can be controlled below 1.5°C, it is possible to save the remaining two-thirds of glaciers.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to keep the long-term global average surface temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. The significance of 1.5°C lies in the fact that even a fraction of a degree of global temperature increase can have a significant impact. For some countries and fragile ecosystems, extreme weather events and their associated risks increase with each degree of global temperature increase. The scientific evidence is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and maintain a habitable planet, we must limit global warming as far as possible and make this a top priority (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

The increasing emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities have led to global warming. The situation is like covering the Earth with a quilt, preventing heat from being reflected into space, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. Currently, we are experiencing unprecedented rapid climate warming due to human activities, such as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. As the temperature rises, the Earth also begins to suffer from “fever”. The reason is that everything, and all living things on the Earth are closely intertwined with each other. Once nature loses its ability to balance, humans will not be able to survive alone.

“Green-blueprint 1.5°C” supports green development, fostering green economy, green financing (climate financing), new energy, green industries, ecological tourism, etc., reduce carbon emissions and respond to climate change. Supporting the Belt and Road Initiative to cooperate with developing countries, especially in developing green energy industries (such as solar, wind and hydropower projects, and digital management to increase the proportion of renewable energy generation), agricultural production capacity and ecological construction cooperation, helping traditional industries to achieve green transition, transforming them into green industries and building sustainable business models. At the same time, we also strongly advocate green enterprises, and industry chains to deeply participate in the ESG work of society and the community, on the one hand, to practice corporate social responsibility (CSR), on the other hand, to achieve the policy of corporate economic sustainability, jointly accelerate the green forwarding process, enable the world to reduce carbon emissions faster, achieve the “3060” carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and promote the sustainability of humans and nature.

“Green-blueprint 1.5°C” supports the three UN “Rio Conventions” as important cornerstones for addressing the climate crisis. With the nation’s continued development, China has ranked first in power generation capacity in the world. In 1949, the annual power generation was only 4.3 billion kilowatt hours. Today, the figure has reached 9.5 trillion kWh (over 2,000 times growth). What is even more amazing is that renewable energy already accounts for one-third of society’s electricity consumption. As the largest country in photovoltaic power generation, and wind power installed capacity, China’s development of green energy is an important measure to deal with global warming and climate change. Will Legend believes that plans organized and led at the social and community levels can be implemented more effectively. By advocating for the “Integration of Glacier, Land, Ocean”, the “Green-blueprint” connecting the two places and different sectors to take action to address pressing global challenges, allowing the public and future generations to pay more attention to the health of the Earth.

As the Third Pole of the Earth, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the storage of ice and snow second only to the Antarctic and Arctic. Half of the world’s population depends directly or indirectly on glaciers as a source of water for domestic use, agriculture and power generation. Glaciers are also the backbone of biodiversity and support numerous ecosystems. When glaciers melt rapidly, humans are at increased risk of natural disasters such as water shortages and floods. “Let the Glacier Cool” calls for global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming, promotes the United Nations’ “2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, World Day for Glaciers, World Water Day, and Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences” Initiatives. Let the “World Water Tower” and “Asian Water Tower” continue to fulfill the mission given by nature and protect water, an important element of life for humans and living things.

Since 2000, global warming has caused the disappearance of thousands of glaciers around the world. Glaciers at World Heritage Sites are melting at an accelerating pace, with a third of them set to disappear by 2050, according to new research released by UNESCO. These glaciers have been melting at an accelerated rate since 2000 due to rising temperatures caused by carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new study by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Urumqi River originates from the Glacier No. 1 near Tianger II Peak in the central Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang – Tianshan Glacier No. 1. Preserving glaciers is vital for the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) has selected more than 40 glaciers to represent mountain glaciers around the world, and Tianshan Glacier No. 1 is the only reference glacier located in China. At the end of the eastern branch of Tianshan Glacier No. 1 at an altitude of about 3,850 meters, there is a huge ice tongue in the valley. The average thickness of the glacier is 50 meters, and the thickest part is 130 meters. Wang Feiteng, director of the Tianshan Glaciological Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that in the past 50 to 60 years, the glaciers here have been melting at a rate of 70 centimeters per year. It can be seen that on this ice tongue, the meltwater of the glacier has formed many large and small streams, which flow into the Urumqi River at the foot of the mountain. Researchers observe the glacier at regular intervals using ground-based 3D laser scanners.

Tianshan Glacier No. 1 is the earliest glacier to be observed in my country, with observations dating back 65 years. As one of the ten glaciers under global observation, it can well reflect the changes in glaciers in China and even the entire Central Asia. In order to better study glacier protection, Wang Feiteng led his team to carry out the first “Covering Glaciers with Blankets” experimental project in August 2023, and has achieved certain results. Currently, this type of experiment is only applicable to small glaciers with scientific research and tourism value. To truly slow down the melting of glaciers and fundamentally protect them, the world needs to work together to support green transformation, green financing (climate financing), clean energy and reduce carbon emissions to protect the environment, life and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change (global warming).

As the third most popular glacier tourism site in China, Dagu is of great economic importance to its region. Sadly, over the past 35 years, Dagu has retreated by 76% and its area of glacial ice decreased from 2.10 km2 in 1989 to 0.5 km2 in 2023. The future is even more concerning. Based on modeling of the measurement data we have gathered over the years, we predict that Dagu Glacier, which currently covers less than 0.5 km², will disappear entirely by around 2030.

The Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL) project was founded in 2024 through a collaboration between Rice University, the University of Iceland, the Iceland Glaciological Society, the World Glacier Monitoring Service, and UNESCO. The project contributes to the UN’s 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. The GGCL aims to remember the names and tell the stories of selected glaciers that are critically endangered or have already disappeared worldwide. Dagu Glacier is included as the only glacier in China and is expected to disappear by 2030.