glaciers
Newsletter
Credit: Gabor Koszegi/Unsplash
Scientists document the global disappearance of glaciers
The melting of glaciers worldwide is accelerating, with many already gone, prompting scientists to create an inventory of these lost ice masses.
In short:
- Thousands of glaciers have vanished globally, with losses in regions including Venezuela, New Zealand and Switzerland.
- Scientists are now tracking these extinct glaciers, creating inventories to map the extent of the losses.
- Smaller glaciers may be beyond saving, even with drastic climate action, though larger glaciers might still have a chance.
Key quote:
“The end happened so fast.”
— Mauri Pelto, glaciologist at Nichols College
Why this matters:
Glacial loss signals the rapid advance of climate change, threatening water sources and ecosystems. The irreversible disappearance of smaller glaciers highlights the urgency of global climate action.
Read more: People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Deactivated/Pixabay
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.
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:
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Paul Summers/Unsplash
NASA mission aims to freeze glaciers in place to prevent catastrophic sea-level rise
NASA's $1.5 billion NISAR satellite, launching soon, will monitor Earth's glaciers and could support interventions to halt their disintegration, crucial for coastal regions.
In short:
- The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, will provide detailed images of the cryosphere every 12 days.
- Glaciologists are exploring technological interventions, such as freezing glaciers in place, to slow down ice loss and mitigate sea-level rise.
- The loss of the Thwaites Glacier could significantly impact global sea levels, posing a threat to coastal cities and low-lying areas worldwide.
Key quote:
"I’m not going to be satisfied simply documenting the demise of these environments that I care about."
— Brent Minchew, glaciologist at MIT
Why this matters:
Preventing glacier disintegration is vital to avoid dramatic sea-level rise that could displace millions and cause widespread ecological and economic damage. Interventions like those proposed offer potential solutions to manage this risk proactively.
Keep reading...Show less
Image by Jonathan Reichel from Pixabay
Swiss glaciers lose 10% of their volume in two years
Scientists have said climate breakdown caused by the burning of fossil fuels is the cause of unusually hot summers and winters with very low snow volume, which have caused the accelerating melts.
Ancient arrow is among artifacts to emerge from Norway’s melting ice
As the earth warms, glacial archaeologists are in a race against time to preserve objects before they are destroyed by the elements. Recent field work yielded a surprisingly intact 3,000-year-old arrow.
Newsletter
Photo by Lee Robinson on Unsplash
How climate change is affecting B.C., from cattle to glaciers to wine grapes
A cattle rancher, a vineyard owner and other British Columbians are speaking out on the ways temperature extremes and wildfires are changing their lives, businesses and hobbies.
Photo by Sukant Sharma on Unsplash
Study: Himalaya glaciers rapidly melting because of climate change
A new peer-reviewed study on the Himalayas reveals the mountain glaciers disappeared 65% faster between 2011 and 2020 compared to the previous decade, threatening its population and species.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
