Communication efforts to educate the public about vanishing glaciers, 1958–2025

Abstract

This letter reviews public communication efforts addressing glacial loss from 1958 to 2025, tracing a trajectory from early educational films to contemporary ritual performances. It examines how documentaries, visual media, fiction and immersive technologies have sought to translate cryospheric decline into emotionally resonant narratives that inform and inspire climate action. Particular attention is given to the recent rise of performative and ritual practices, including glacier funerals and the Global Glacier Casualty List, which commemorate disappearing glaciers while fostering affective engagement and ethical reflection. The authors argue that interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists, artists and communities remain vital for amplifying public awareness and catalyzing environmental response.