Glaciers in Focus: GeoCamp Iceland’s Commitment to Climate Action

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the "International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation", highlighting the vital role glaciers play in Earth’s ecosystems and their critical importance as indicators of climate change. As glaciers worldwide retreat at an unprecedented rate, this initiative calls for urgent global action to preserve these natural wonders.

The Icelandic glaciers have been an integral part of GeoCamp Iceland’s narrative from the very beginning. By bringing students and teachers to recently formed glacial lagoons, rapidly shrinking glacier tongues, landscapes newly revealed by retreating ice, and the majestic moraines left behind, we provide not just an awe-inspiring experience but also an educational journey. These visits serve as outdoor classrooms where participants connect with the dynamic processes shaping Iceland’s environment, explore the impacts of climate change, and gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role glaciers play in our world.

Iceland’s glaciers are not just geographical marvels; they are reservoirs of history, culture, and ecological significance. Covering approximately 11% of the country’s landmass, glaciers like Vatnajökull and Sólheimajökull have shaped Iceland’s landscapes and its people’s connection to nature. Yet, the rapid retreat of these ice masses underscores the urgent need to address climate change and preserve this integral part of the planet’s cryosphere.

Supporting the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation

GeoCamp Iceland is committed to highlighting the goals of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation by integrating glacier-related education and research into its programs. This year-long initiative is a global call to action, aiming to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and inspire meaningful responses to the climate crisis. At GeoCamp, we believe education is a cornerstone of this effort.

We will shine a spotlight on Icelandic glaciers through a range of educational and research-focused initiatives. From hosting university-level research projects led by renowned glacier scientists to introducing high school students to the awe-inspiring sight of glaciers for the first time, our programs are designed to inspire and educate.

​Sites like Sólheimajökull glacier tounge on the South Coast of Iceland offer not only a scientific exploration of glacial retreat but also an emotional connection as participants witness the profound impact of climate change firsthand. By standing at the edge of a retreating glacier, students can witness first-hand the reality of this global challenge, through sites and sounds. 

Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change

Our ongoing collaboration with Andri Snær Magnason, author of On Time and Water, adds a unique dimension to our glacier-focused initiatives. Andri’s storytelling provides a bridge between scientific data and human emotion, making the impacts of climate change relatable and deeply personal.

​“Glaciers are frozen manuscripts that tell stories just like tree circles and sedimentary deposits; from them, you can gather information and create a picture of the past.” His narratives will continue to be an integral part of our programs, helping participants understand not just the science of glacier loss, but also its cultural and existential implications.

A Call to Action for Glaciers

The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation represents a pivotal moment for global collaboration and action. GeoCamp Iceland will continue to contribute to this mission by blending glacier research, educational experiences, and compelling narratives, with on-site visits in Iceland. Together with our partners, students, and collaborators, we aim to inspire a new generation of advocates for glaciers and the ecosystems they support.

In 2025, as we highlight this global cause, we invite you to join us in standing with glaciers, not just as symbols of our country's natural beauty, but as vital elements of Earth’s future. By working together, we can ensure these frozen giants remain a part of our shared heritage for generations to come.