Switzerland has experienced a significant loss of its glaciers in recent years, with a 10% decline in just the past two years. This rapid melting is attributed to hot summers and a lack of snow, which have accelerated the process of ice loss. The Swiss Academy of Sciences has reported on this alarming trend, noting that Switzerland has the highest number of glaciers in Europe.
In 2023 alone, Switzerland lost 4% of its total glacier volume, marking the second-largest decline in a single year. This follows a 6% drop in 2022, the largest decrease in glaciers since measurements began. The commission for cryosphere observation at the academy has raised concerns about the country’s estimated 1,400 glaciers, as their numbers continue to dwindle.
The acceleration of glacier melt in Switzerland is truly dramatic, with as much ice being lost in just two years as was lost between 1960 and 1990. This has resulted in the collapse of glacier tongues and the disappearance of many smaller glaciers. Matthias Huss, head of the Swiss glacier measurement network GLAMOS, emphasizes the importance of acting now to address climate change and protect the remaining glaciers.
Glaciers are particularly sensitive to rising temperatures and serve as powerful indicators of climate change. The team behind the study highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to stabilize the climate and preserve at least some of the glaciers. The significant ice loss in Switzerland is attributed to a combination of low levels of snowfall during winter, which normally protects glaciers from direct sunlight, and high summer temperatures.
The impact of this glacier loss is felt across all of Switzerland, as the Alps run through most of the southern and central parts of the country. Glaciers in the southern and eastern regions have melted almost as rapidly as in the record-setting year of 2022. Swiss meteorologists have recorded the freezing level rising to its highest ever point in August, reaching nearly 5,300 meters (17,400 feet). This means that all the Swiss Alpine peaks have experienced temperatures above freezing.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
