Glaciers in the Andes are shrinking to record lows

Tropical glaciers in the Andes are smaller than they have been in more than 11,000 years, raising concerns about water supply and climate change impacts in the region.

Alexa Robles-Gil reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Research on glaciers in the Andes shows they are now smaller than at any time in the last 11,700 years, according to a new study.
• Scientists studied beryllium-10 and carbon-14 in bedrock, revealing that these glaciers are shrinking faster than expected and are now at unprecedented lows.
• The shrinking glaciers threaten water supplies for millions in South America and act as indicators of climate change.

Key quote:

“It’s a sad milestone to hit for these glaciers.”

— Emilio Mateo, researcher at the Aspen Global Change Institute

Why this matters:

Shrinking glaciers threaten water resources crucial for agriculture and human consumption in South America. The situation highlights the need to address climate change impacts on vulnerable ecosystems and communities worldwide.

Related EHN coverage:

• People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm
• Scientists rush to save historical data locked in melting glaciers
• Venezuela's last glacier disappears, marking an environmental milestone