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, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, March 23, 2025, 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.
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 to include water security and sea level rise.
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.
Owolabi noted that sustainable engineering reduces greenhouse gases, tackling a root cause of glacier melting while efficient conservation ensures water security for the future.
“Resilient infrastructure defends communities from sea-level rise,” she said.
According to her, APWEN Lagos has empowered female engineers to lead such initiatives, promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
“Together, we can foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience against climate change,” Owolabi said.
By Fabian Ekeruche