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Glacier Apocalypse: Thousands Vanish Yearly by 2040
15 Dec
Summary
- Up to 3,000 glaciers could vanish annually by 2040.
- Eighty percent of current glaciers may disappear by 2100.
- Melting glaciers threaten water supplies and cultural heritage.
Glaciers worldwide are disappearing at an accelerating rate due to human-caused global heating. Projections indicate that by 2040, annual glacier losses could reach 3,000, with 80% of all glaciers potentially gone by 2100. This rapid melt significantly impacts water supplies and cultural heritage for communities relying on these icy bodies.
The study, utilizing global glacier models, reveals that current climate action plans could lead to a peak loss of 3,000 glaciers annually in the 2040s. However, aggressive emission cuts aligning with the 1.5C target could cap annual losses at 2,000, with the rate declining thereafter. Regions like the European Alps and western US face rapid, substantial ice loss.
These vanishing glaciers have profound implications beyond ice volume, affecting ecosystems, water resources, and traditions. For instance, Māori culture views glaciers as ancestors, underscoring their spiritual significance. The findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptation measures and robust climate decisions to protect these vital natural and cultural assets.
