Round table dedicated to the World Glacier Day
On March 20, 2026, lecturers of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Associate Professor A.S. Nyssanbayeva and Senior Lecturer Zh.A. Zhanabayeva, took part in a round table dedicated to the World Glacier Day. The event was organized by the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre under the auspices of 挟袧袝小袣袨. It brought together representatives of research institutes, universities, and media to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues in the region — the rapid retreat of glaciers and its consequences.
The discussions focused on the link between glacier conditions and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First and foremost, SDG 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation.” Glaciers serve as a strategic source of freshwater for Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan. Their degradation directly affects water supply for populations, agriculture, and energy, creating risks of future water shortages.
SDG 11 – “Sustainable Cities and Communities” was also highlighted. Participants noted that changes in the hydrological regime caused by glacier melt increase the likelihood of natural hazards such as mudflows and floods, posing threats to infrastructure and public safety in mountainous and foothill areas, including the city of Almaty.
Particular attention was paid to SDG 13 – “Climate Action.” Reports emphasized that accelerated glacier melting is one of the clearest indicators of global warming. The presented scientific data highlighted the need to strengthen cryosphere monitoring, implement remote sensing technologies, and develop adaptation measures. 
Within the framework of SDG 15 – “Life on Land,” participants discussed the impact of glacier degradation on mountain ecosystems. Changes in the water balance lead to landscape transformation, biodiversity loss, and reduced ecosystem stability, requiring a comprehensive scientific approach and interdisciplinary collaboration.
A special part of the program was the screening of the documentary film 袗谢邪褌邪褍: 胁褋谢械写 蟹邪 懈褋褔械蟹邪褞褖懈屑懈 谢械写薪懈泻邪屑懈, 锌芯褋胁褟褖褢薪薪芯谐芯 褋褌褉械屑懈褌械谢褜薪芯屑褍 褌邪褟薪懈褞 谢械写薪懈泻芯胁 袟邪懈谢懈泄褋泻芯谐芯袗谢邪褌邪褍. The film vividly demonstrated the scale of ongoing changes and their consequences for nature and society, generating strong engagement among participants. The discussion following the screening complemented scientific reports with visual evidence of mountain landscape transformations and highlighted the importance of science communication through media. 
The round table served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, discussion of scientific results, and development of recommendations for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation. Such events contribute to raising public awareness and strengthening cooperation between the scientific community and government institutions in addressing global environmental challenges.
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