Water is the bloodline of humanity, and glaciers are the icebound heart of the Earth.
On March 22, 2025, we gather once more to observe World Water Day, a global moment not merely of reflection, but of action. Now in its 32nd year, World Water Day has evolved beyond commemoration – it is a clarion call for stewardship, justice, and sustainability in water governance. At Hydalys, we believe that businesses, alongside governments and citizens, have a pivotal role to play in preserving our most precious resource: water.
Why Glaciers Matter – And Why They’re Melting Fast
This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” could not be more urgent. Glaciers, which hold nearly 70% of the Earth’s freshwater, are melting at a pace unprecedented in human history. In 2023 alone, the world lost over 600 gigatons of glacial water – the largest mass loss in the last half-century (WMO). For nearly 2 billion people, glacier-fed systems are not abstract science – they are the basis for drinking water, food security, electricity, and industry.
This melt is not a slow-motion event happening in faraway lands. Its ripple effects are deeply systemic: rising seas threatening coastal cities, destabilized river flows impacting agriculture, and biodiversity loss on a planetary scale. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that if we fail to limit global warming to 1.5°C, two-thirds of the glaciers in World Heritage Sites could vanish.
The Role of Business in Water Stewardship
Too often, discussions on glacier preservation are confined to global conferences and environmental agencies. But in reality, every business is a water-dependent business.
- A hotel chain operating in mountain regions relies on glacial-fed streams for guest amenities.
- A hospital depends on water security for sterilization, sanitation, and patient care.
- A school needs reliable water infrastructure to maintain health and hygiene.
And in nearly every industry, from manufacturing to tech, digital infrastructure and cooling systems require massive water input.
Yet, despite this dependency, few businesses have a clear understanding of how their operations, whether directly or through supply chains, impact water systems, particularly in regions vulnerable to glacial melt.
Hydalys exists to bridge that gap.
Hydalys: Enabling Business Action Through Data and Rating
At Hydalys, we are pioneering a Water Rating System that helps businesses understand, assess, and improve their water usage. Through a combination of publicly available data, AI-powered assessments, and climate intelligence, we empower organizations to measure their water efficiency – their contribution to responsible water usage and sustainability.
Our approach aligns with the goals of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation for all) and recognizes that water risk is business risk. By integrating our framework, companies can:
- Identify inefficiencies in water usage and cooling systems
- Track exposure to water-related climate risks, including glacial melt disruption
- Prepare for emerging regulations on environmental impact disclosures
- Build stronger ESG narratives with transparent, verified metrics
A Call to Action: Water as a Strategic Priority
World Water Day 2025 is not just about glaciers – it is about what they represent. They are our planetary barometers, revealing how deeply interwoven our environmental crisis truly is. Preserving glaciers means preserving the hydrological balance that sustains civilization itself.
As we mark this day, Hydalys calls upon every business – small, medium, or large – to:
- Recognize water not just as a utility cost, but as a strategic asset.
- Assess their current water footprint, including upstream and downstream impacts.
- Act by committing to data-driven tools and sustainable practices that prioritize water efficiency.
The clock is ticking. But with collective resolve, we can reverse course. By preserving our glaciers, we are not just protecting frozen water—we are safeguarding our shared future.
