The climate crisis is evidenced by increasingly frequent extreme events in Argentina and around the world. In the case of the country, it has become clear in recent times that it does not give respite and action is necessary.
In this context, Greenpeace warned about the “alarming degradation of ecosystems” and the planet’s health in general. Additionally, the consequences directly affect people’s lives.
Climate crisis: the most urgent matters
As the organization pointed out, deforestation, the retreat of glaciers, and the intensification of the climate crisis are intertwined in an issue that urgently needs attention.
Along these lines, starting from International Day of Forests, International Day of Glaciers (March 21), and International Climate Day (March 26), concrete actions are demanded to address the environmental emergency.
Urgencies due to the climate crisis. (Photo: Greenpeace Argentina).
In recent months, forest fires and extreme storms have caused havoc in different provinces, as recently seen in Bahía Blanca.
According to preliminary official data, in the region of the Andean Patagonian forests of Argentina, this summer fires ravaged at least 55,962 hectares.
“These are the most serious forest fires in the last three decades in the region, leaving damage that will take more than 200 years to recover,” stated Hernán Giardini, coordinator of the Forests campaign of Greenpeace Argentina.
Simultaneously, in Bahía Blanca, the lack of preparedness of cities for extreme rains became evident: more than 300 millimeters of rain fell in less than 12 hours. This caused deaths, mass evacuations, and the destruction of key infrastructure.
“The climate crisis is here, and its impacts are devastating. What happened in Bahía Blanca is a clear demonstration of how environmental deterioration can make us more vulnerable,” statedMatías Arrigazzi, member of the campaigns team and specialist in biodiversity and climate change at Greenpeace Argentina.
“Deforestation and the destruction of key ecosystems for water cycle regulation act as accelerators of climate change, worsening the risk of more frequent and extreme floods and droughts,” he added.
“The loss of native forests in the northern part of the country was close to 150,000 hectares during 2024, in Santiago del Estero, Chaco, Formosa, and Salta, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year,” detailed the organization.
Melting and ecosystems on alert
Another point they emphasized was the glaciers. Essential for freshwater supply and climate regulation, they are in retreat.
Their accelerated loss due to global warming threatens water availability in entire regions of the country. Additionally, it generates irreversible impacts on mountain ecosystems.
In this regard, Greenpeace demanded “effective protection of key ecosystems” and the implementation of “public policies that prohibit and penalize deforestation and forest fires”.
Melting, a product of climate change.
2025, year of glacier conservation: why they are essential
The United Nations (UN) officially declared 2025 as the “International Year of Glacier Conservation”.
Additionally, they proclaimed March 21 of each year as World Glacier Day from now on.
The goal is to raise global awareness about the fundamental role of glaciers, snow, and ice in the climate system and hydrological cycle. Also, to inform about their relevance in economies, socially, and environmentally.
The accelerated disappearance of glaciers not only affects the landscape but also has direct repercussions on communities that depend on meltwater for agriculture and drinking water supply.
During the warmer months, meltwater from glaciers has historically been a crucial resource in the Italian Alps.
Melting, a product of climate change.
