Switzerland's Glaciers Vanishing: 40% Lost Since 2000, 1,000 Gone Since 1850
Switzerland's glaciers are rapidly disappearing, with a nearly 40% volume loss since 2000, and over 1,000 small glaciers vanishing since 1850. This alarming trend, equivalent to losing an area the size of canton Uri (1,000km2), is primarily due to global warming.
Experts warn that if the Paris Climate Agreement target is met, only a quarter of Switzerland's glaciers may remain visible to future generations. The global melting of mountain glaciers and ice caps significantly contributes to sea level rise, potentially increasing by 50cm to one metre by 2100.
Glaciologist Matthias Huss expects some glaciers to persist in Switzerland during his career but fears his children or grandchildren might grow up in the Alps without them. The melting of Swiss glaciers will reshape the Alpine landscape, creating new lakes, landslides, floods, and water shortages. These changes could also impact tourism, with Alpine glaciers being a major attraction for visitors from around the world.
Switzerland's tourism industry is keeping a close eye on climate change and may need to adapt tourist attractions if glaciers disappear. Glaciers play a crucial role in storing winter snowfall and releasing water in summer, feeding major Western European rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Po. Unfortunately, peak water has already been reached for Swiss glaciers, signaling less water in Alpine valleys and these vital rivers in the future.
Switzerland's glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the Alpine landscape, tourism, and water supplies. Despite efforts to meet the Paris Climate Agreement target, a quarter of glaciers may still disappear. It is crucial to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the total loss of Swiss glaciers by 2100.
