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Synopsis The melting of glaciers has become a major focus of concern in global warming. An overview of retreating glaciers presents an alarming scenario with potentially devastating consequences. Over two third of the earth’s area consists of oceans. Sea level rise due to glacier melting is associated with damage to coastal infrastructure and the likelihood of displacement of coastal communities. Understanding the impacts of retreating glaciers and sea level rise is essential to plan at the local, national and international level. The book focuses on the economic and ecological impacts of melting glaciers and problems associated with rising sea levels. A wide range of adaptations and mitigation measures will be required to assist policy makers to cope with the root cause of the problem. Truly, global effort can save glacier melting. The efforts have to be backed by financial and administrative will. The policy issues arising from these impacts and the response of policy to this challenge are analyzed in this book. It brings out an urgent need for Polar research. The book is divided into two sections. Section 1 presents an overview of melting glaciers and rising sea levels in a global perspective and Section 2 gives impacts and mitigations. The articles cover glacier retreat and subsequent impacts in Nepal, India and China, Tarim basin, European Alps, the shrinking of Kilimanjaro and Antarctic ice, tourism in polar regions, understanding sea level rise and variability, Keeping afloat: A strategy for small island nations.