Celebrating Glaciers: The Agir Pour le Glacier Festival in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Running Minds Event

News

Kilian Jornet Fundation

April 3, 2025

Kilian Jornet Fundation

April 3, 2025

As part of the International Year of Glacier Preservation (IYGP25) and the first-ever World Day for Glaciers on March 21st, the Agir Pour le Glacier Festival took place in the heart of the Alps, in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. This festival brought together scientists, environmental organizations, and the general public to celebrate glaciers and raise awareness about their alarming decline.

Glaciologists and researchers presented the latest data on glacier retreat, highlighting both the urgent need for action and the solutions available to mitigate further loss. While the numbers are concerning, hope remains, through scientific advancements, strong policies, and collective action, we can work towards glacier preservation. The festival highlights the importance of engaging everyone in this conversation, making it accessible beyond the scientific community.

The KJF participated in this initiative next to other organizations committed to protect mountain environments. As a member of the IYGP25, the KJF is actively supporting efforts to protect glaciers and raise awareness about their critical role in the ecosystem.

Running Minds Event: Connecting Glaciology and the General Public

In the Agir Pour le Glacier festival, the KJF organized a Running Minds event; an initiative that brings scientists and the general public together through movement and discussion. This special run focused on glaciers, featuring insights from leading glaciologists: Jacques Mourey (Asters-CEN74), Jean-Baptiste Bosson (Ice&Life and Marge Sauvage) and Pierre René (Association Moraine Pyrénées).

During the run, participants explored key concepts about glaciers:

***What* *is a glacier?***

Jacques explained that a glacier is a mass of ice formed by compacted snow over thousands of years. Unlike seasonal snow, glaciers persist over long periods, slowly flowing downstream and shaping landscapes.

The role of glaciers in the Alps:

The impressive valleys around Bourg-Saint-Maurice were shaped by glaciers over millions of years. During the run we had views to three massifs: the Vanoise National Park, the Mont-Blanc Massif and the Beaufortain. As glaciers expanded and retreated through various ice ages, they carved deep valleys, leaving behind newly formed ecosystems with important roles for animal life.

Why are glaciers disappearing?

Jacques explained that rising temperatures are causing glaciers to retreat at unprecedented rates. The equilibrium line (the boundary between ice accumulation and melting) has shifted to around 3,100 meters, meaning that glaciers below this altitude are disappearing rapidly.

Why is warming faster in the mountains?

Mountain regions are warming five times faster than the global average. The Albedo Effect plays a crucial role here: glaciers and snow reflect solar radiation, but as they disappear, darker surfaces absorb more heat, accelerating the warming process.

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A call to action

Glaciers are essential to ecosystems, water supply, and climate regulation. The Agir Pour le Glacier Festival was a reminder that while there are challenges, solutions exist. Scientific research, policy changes, and individual actions can all contribute to glacier preservation.

At the KJF we are committed to protecting these frozen giants. Join us in spreading awareness and advocating for sustainable policies.