March 21, 2025
THIMPHU – Forty-two-year old Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, a climate advocate, has embarked on a 4,332-kilometre (km) journey across Australia, as part of his “The Messenger—Ride for Action” campaign, to spotlight the devastating impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers.
To observe the “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation”, he flagged off his campaign yesterday, cycling from Adelaide to Meninge in Australia, covering 162 km.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, with March 21 designated as the World Day for Glaciers. This global initiative aims to raise awareness of the critical role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system, the hydrological cycle, and their economic, social, and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the earth’s cryosphere.
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk’s month-long expedition will take him from Adelaide to Cairns, combining cycling, bus, and train travel. His first leg involves cycling from Adelaide to Canberra before continuing by public transport to Cairns. There, he will document the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, where rising temperatures have led to coral bleaching and mass die-offs.
Through media appearances, social media engagement, and public events, he aims to amplify the voices of Bhutanese youth and highlight Bhutan’s leadership in environmental conservation.
“Bhutan has been a beacon of environmental stewardship, proving that economic growth and conservation can coexist,” he said. “With our pristine forests and reliance on renewable energy, we embody a model for the world, guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.”
“We have a pristine forest cover, and we run on renewable energy. And all that was possible due to the guiding developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness which gives equal importance to the country’s environment as much as to its economy,” Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk said.
For the past four years, Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk has symbolised the urgency of climate action by carrying ice from Himalayan glaciers. This time, he also brings handwritten letters from students in Trashiyangtse, addressed to world leaders. “There are some powerful messages in these letters,” he said.
His journey also underscores the importance of sustainable transportation. “Australia has well-organised biking lanes, but I am accustomed to navigating chaotic streets in India and Nepal,” he said.
He deliberately chose to travel part of the route by bus and train to advocate for greater investment in public transport as a climate solution.
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk’s advocacy focuses on the rapidly vanishing Himalayan glaciers, which supply fresh water to 240 million people in the region and another 1.65 billion downstream—nearly a quarter of the global population.
Scientists warn that due to human-driven climate change, the Himalayas are losing ice at an alarming rate, endangering water security for millions.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the World Meteorological Organisation are leading international efforts to address the crisis, backed by over 75 global organisations and 35 countries.
Glaciers store nearly 70 percent of the world’s freshwater, but due to climate change, they are retreating at an alarming rate, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk’s “The Messenger—Ride for Action” campaign began in 2021 with a ride to Jichu Drake glacier, followed by a journey to Thorthormi glacier in 2022. Later that year, carrying a bottle of glacial meltwater, he cycled across Bhutan, stopping at schools and colleges to raise awareness about climate change.
In May 2023, he biked to Everest Base Camp, where studies have shown that 2,000 years’ worth of ice has melted in just 25 years.
With a bottle of Everest ice in tow, he attempted a solo, unsupported cycling expedition across the Himalayas to Dubai for COP28, but an injury forced him to abandon the journey
Jamyang’s current Australian tour is supported by Shangreela, Bodhi5 ECPF, and Save the Children-Bhutan. Additional sponsors are the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, Western Australia, Bhutan Airlines, Thimphu Muscle Factory, Paro FC, Tashi Namgay Resort, Zhiwaling Heritage, Handcrafted with Love, Velor Cycling, Bhutan Trust Fund, Department of Tourism, Wangyel Studio, and ABS College.