New research has alarmed conservationists and scientists worldwide by revealing that the number of glaciers lost annually could increase to 2,000–4,000 by mid-century if global temperatures keep rising.
A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change clearly states that climate change is accelerating glacier melt at an unprecedented rate in human history. Researchers explain that if the world can limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, as per the Paris Agreement goals, about 50% of the current glaciers could be preserved.
However, in a worst-case scenario where global temperatures rise by 4 degrees Celsius, nearly all glaciers would disappear, leaving only about 18,000 glaciers worldwide.
The study's data shows that more than 7 trillion tons of ice have been lost from mountain glaciers since 2000. In 2023 alone, over 600 billion tons of glacier ice melted, with the fastest losses in Alaska and Central Europe, such as the Alps. Meanwhile, ice mass from polar ice sheets has decreased fourfold compared to the 1990s.
Scientists warn that the disappearance of glaciers will affect freshwater sources for hundreds of millions of people and cause continuously rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and potentially triggering large-scale population displacement in the future.
Additionally, glaciers serve as climate time capsules, preserving data from thousands of years ago about rainfall, volcanic eruptions, and the industrial era. If glaciers melt and become contaminated, this information could be lost forever. Therefore, urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key to slowing glacier loss and maintaining the Earth's balance for future generations.
Source: AP
Click to read related news aboutGlaciers