Heïdi Sevestre at the Veolia Institute: Protecting Glaciers in a Changing Climate
As part of its climate initiatives, the Veolia Institute welcomed Heïdi Sevestre, an internationally recognized glaciologist and leading voice in climate advocacy. A specialist in glacier dynamics and cryosphere preservation, she has been awarded prestigious honors such as the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of Polar Regions and the French Rayonnement Prize, and plays a key role in the Arctic Council.
Drawing on her extensive field experience from expeditions in polar and equatorial regions, Heïdi Sevestre offered a unique, hands-on perspective on the challenges facing glaciers. Fresh from the UNOC 3 (United Nations Ocean Conference) in Nice, she explained the essential role glaciers play in the water cycle and highlighted the threats posed by climate change. These ice giants, vital for climate regulation and freshwater supply for millions of people, are disappearing at an alarming rate.
She also outlined concrete strategies and initiatives to safeguard glaciers, stressing their critical role in sustaining life on Earth and the urgent need for collective action to protect these ecosystems.