The world’s glaciers are melting faster than ever recorded due to climate change. A comprehensive scientific analysis of 230 regional estimates from 35 research teams worldwide reveals that glaciers have lost over 6,500 billion tonnes – or 5% – of their ice since the turn of the century.
Mountain glaciers, which act as a freshwater resource for millions, are losing ice at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, glacier losses were more than a third higher than during the period 2000-2011. The study’s findings indicate that the pace of melting is increasing.
Glaciers serve as excellent indicators of climate change. Since the turn of the century, they have shrunk nearly everywhere due to rising temperatures caused by human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels. Between 2000 and 2023, glaciers outside major ice-sheets lost around 270 billion tonnes of ice per year on average.
The rate of change in some regions has been particularly extreme. Central Europe, for example, has lost 39% of its glacier ice in just over 20 years. The novelty of this study lies not only in confirming that glaciers are melting faster but also in providing a comprehensive picture through the systematic combination of different approaches.
The amount of ice lost by the end of the century will depend on humanity’s ability to control greenhouse gas emissions and reduce warming. If global climate targets are met, a quarter of the world’s glacier ice may be lost; if not, nearly half could be at risk.
Glacier loss has far-reaching consequences, including impacts on local ecosystems, populations relying on seasonal meltwater, and global sea-level rise. Every degree of avoided warming can save glaciers and mitigate damage.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4ly8vde85o