glaciers are the sources for many rivers,they provide drinking water and water for agriculture and industries.
-glaciers are home for some rare species.
-glaciers are important in maintaining the heat budget ,they reflect incoming solar radiation(albedo is high)
-melting glaciers will rise the sea level which can submerge the low lying regions.
-glaciers are the source for the cold ocean currents in the global ocean conveyor belt ,melting glaciers will effect the ocean currents .changes in ocean current circulation will be disastrous for many life forms.
-glacier melting followed by sea level rise and isostatic adjustments will cause tectonic disturbances
-Huge amounts of most dangerous green house gas ,methane is trapped inside the permafrost and if glaciers melt the methane will be released into the atmosphere .