Sonam Wangchuk’s #TravelingGlacier project reaches New York

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s #TravelingGlacier project is a powerful symbol of climate advocacy. Transporting a piece of Ladakh’s Khardung La glacier to the United Nations headquarters in New York highlights the urgency of addressing glacial melt. His use of high-quality cashmere wool for insulation is also an innovative touch.

His initiative aimed to raise global awareness about the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers and to express gratitude for the UN's declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.

Upon arriving in New York, Wangchuk was warmly received by members of the Ladakhi community at the airport. He documented this moment, sharing, "#TravelingGlacier REACHES NEW YORK, meets Ladakhi community at the airport."

Before reaching New York, Wangchuk visited Boston, where he presented the glacier ice at Harvard University. He then travelled to New York, where he presented the ice at the UN headquarters.

To ensure the ice remained frozen throughout the journey, it was insulated with high-quality cashmere wool. Wangchuk highlighted this innovative preservation method, stating, "World's finest Cashmere wool keeps #TravelingGlacier frozen."

This symbolic journey underscores the critical importance of preserving glaciers, which are vital freshwater sources for billions worldwide. Wangchuk's efforts aim to draw global attention to the environmental challenges facing the Himalayan region.

In early February 2025, the Ladakhi engineer attended the 'Breathe Pakistan' climate change conference in Islamabad, organised by the Dawn Media Group.

He participated in a panel discussion titled 'Glacial Melt: A Sustainable Strategy for the Water Towers of South Asia', alongside Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to the Pakistani prime minister on climate change, and Aisha Khan, chief executive of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change.

During his address, Wangchuk emphasised the critical need for global awareness and action to combat climate change, particularly in the Himalayan region. He highlighted the role of media and leadership in promoting environmental responsibility, stating, "Our message to the world always has been, please live simply in the big cities so that we in the mountains simply live."