This week at the Villars Institute’s Ocean event, experts reminded us that Alpine Glaciers, the world’s great “silent water towers”, are approaching a tipping point in some regions.

From the Alps to the Himalayas to Kilimanjaro, rapidly retreating glaciers are reshaping water security for billions.

But there is a powerful source of resilience: forests. As glaciers shrink, forests become essential secondary water infrastructure, support storage, regulate flows, protect soils, and sustain micro-climates.

In his latest article, Jon Duncan, Chief Impact Officer, explores the connection between Alpine glacier retreat and community-based reforestation initiatives.