Mountains are much more than majestic landscapes—they are essential lifelines for billions of people worldwide. Often called the “water towers of the world,” mountains store freshwater in their glaciers and snowpacks, releasing it gradually to nurture rivers and supply drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower. From the towering Himalayas that feed the Indus and Ganges to the Alpine peaks powering European hydropower, these high places shape our water security in countless ways. Yet, this natural bounty is under threat. Climate change is accelerating glacier melt and altering rainfall patterns, putting millions at risk of water shortages. The challenge now is to protect these vital mountain waters through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable management for the future.
Today, I would like to talk about mountains which supply about 60% of the available freshwater globally. Mountains provide energy, through hydropower, strategic protection, and natural resources. But mountains are also very much exposed to the consequences of climate change.
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Mountains play a fascinating and complex role when it comes to water security, and thinking about them just as tall, scenic landscapes doesn’t do justice to their importance. They are often called the “water towers of the world” because they supply fresh water to billions of people through their glaciers, snowpacks, and rainfall. More than two billion people worldwide depend directly on mountain waters for drinking, farming, industry, and energy.
Take the Himalayas, for example—these mountains feed major rivers like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, which support over a billion people across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The meltwater from glaciers and seasonal snow ensures rivers keep flowing during dry periods, which is crucial for irrigation and livelihoods. In Nepal and Bhutan, this mountain water also drives hydropower plants that are vital for the countries’ energy needs and export revenues.
Closer to Europe, the French Alps and the Pyrenees perform a similar role. They supply clean water for cities, support farming, and provide topography ideal for hydropower generation. Switzerland, in particular, depends heavily on its Alpine waters for around 60% of its electricity. But these mountain water sources are facing mounting challenges. Glaciers are retreating due to climate change, altering the timing and availability of water and raising concerns about sustainability for the future.
Mountains also serve as natural fortresses and political boundaries, as seen in the strategic importance of the Himalayas between India and Pakistan. This adds a layer of complexity because water resources often cross borders, making cooperation and treaties essential to avoid conflicts, such as the long-standing Indus Water Treaty between those two countries.
Yet, despite their critical importance, mountain regions and their water resources often get overlooked in national policies, which tend to focus more on populous lowland areas. Climate change is already impacting mountain water availability with more irregular rain patterns, shrinking glaciers, and the formation of glacial lakes that could cause flooding risks downstream.
Switzerland is an interesting example of proactive mountain water management. Recognizing risks from shrinking glaciers and drought stress, the country has passed stringent water protection laws, promoted water-efficient farming practices, and pushed for renewable energy development. This approach highlights how mountain countries can lead by protecting their vital water sources through a mix of legislation, technology, and community engagement.
Other mountainous countries are struggling with their own versions of these issues. In Central Asia, countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan rely heavily on the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains’ water for irrigation and hydropower, but they’re facing rapid glacier loss that threatens their water security. Down in East Africa, Mount Kenya provides freshwater for millions, emphasizing that mountain water importance spans continents.
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In short, mountains are both blessings and challenges in water security. They provide the fresh water and energy essential for millions, but climate change and increased human demand threaten this balance. The way forward lies in greater international cooperation, smarter water management policies, and investments in climate adaptation to safeguard these towering sources of life for future generations. This makes mountains not only natural wonders but invaluable partners in our quest for sustainable water security worldwide.
