From Glaciers to Food Security - COP31 Policy and Investment Brief by the World Food Programme (WFP) and International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) highlight how accelerating glacier retreat and changing snowfall patterns are increasing water-related risks across mountain and downstream regions, with significant implications for agriculture, food security, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The brief emphasizes the need for government-led investments that integrate risk monitoring, early warning systems, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable water management, and innovative financing mechanisms. It advocates scaling proven adaptation solutions through coordinated, cross-sectoral programmes that protect vulnerable populations, strengthen food systems, and enhance resilience across landscapes. At COP31, WFP and ICIMOD call for strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners, and financial institutions to improve risk preparedness, secure water and food systems, support resilient livelihoods, and advance investment-ready programmes capable of delivering climate resilience at scale.