Greenpeace expressed its extreme concern about the possibility of modifying the Glacier Law, which was opened up by President Javier Milei.
The organization warned that this change would put the freshwater sources of millions of Argentinians at risk.
Last week, in a speech to businessmen, Milei expressed his willingness to send a new project to the Congress to modify the Glacier Law in Argentina.
This would aim for each province to determine its periglacial zones under the argument of “federalism“.
This would be the second attempt to modify the regulation in two years.
According to Greenpeace, this reform would open the doors to activities that threaten the integrity of glaciers and the periglacial environment.
Greenpeace, against the modification of the Glacier Law
The proposal referred to by Milei is based on an idea from the governor of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo.
“What better than for each province to determine what is the periglacial zone and once and for all we start to take advantage of natural resources,” said the President.
In response, Greenpeace reinforced the importance of the current legislation to protect glaciers in the country.
“The Glacier Law protects a unique and finite resource: water,” warned Agostina Rossi Serra, biodiversity specialist at Greenpeace.
And pointed against the official proposal: “The environmental setback that this modification will propose will put access to water for millions of Argentinians at risk,” she stated.
As reinforced by the expert, Cornejo’s idea seeks to dismiss the protection granted by the original regulation.
This would allow intervention in previously protected areas, leaving glaciers exposed to greater risk of contamination and destruction.
“What will be discussed when the project is presented is the handing over of the water sources of Argentinians,” added Rossi Serra.
The Argentine Glacier Law, a pioneer in the region
The Glacier Law, enacted in 2010, was a historic achievement driven by millions of people and hundreds of civil organizations.
This regulation established strict safeguards to protect glaciers and the periglacial environment such as:
- The storage of freshwater;
- Climate regulation;
- The provision of water for millions of people;
- The biodiversity of unique ecosystems.
The original regulation prohibits activities that could damage these ecosystems, such as mining and hydrocarbon exploitation.
“The Glacier Law is a pioneering regulation, there is no other in the region with such a scope of protection for glaciers and the periglacial environment,” highlighted Rossi Serra from Greenpeace.
The strategic importance of glaciers
Glaciers and the periglacial environment are strategic reserves of freshwater that supply communities, rivers, and ecosystems.
Their melting regulates flows during drought periods, ensuring water for consumption, agriculture, and energy generation.
Moreover, these ice bodies are a key indicator of the impacts of the climate crisis and a bastion for biodiversity.
Without them, the effects of global warming and water scarcity would be even more devastating.
The vital functions of glaciers:
- Regulate flows during drought periods;
- Supply water for human consumption;
- Sustain regional agriculture;
- Generate hydroelectric energy;
- Indicate the advance of the climate crisis.
Rossi Serra warned that “a setback in the protection of glaciers and the periglacial environment is not only unconstitutional.”
Moreover, “it ignores and severely violates the international commitments assumed by Argentina to face the climate crisis,” the specialist points out.
“Without glaciers, there is no water. And without water, there is no future,” concluded the Greenpeace specialist, seeking to reinforce the maintenance of the Glacier Law.
Therefore, Greenpeace calls on citizens to join in the defense of glaciers through a signature collection. To participate, you can access through the following link: Fundación Greenpeace Argentina | Glaciares: hielos en peligro.
