Glaciers on Thin Ice: New Study Reveals 82% Will Melt by 2100

Researchers at ETH Zurich have estimated that if global temperatures rise to 4.0 C, only about 18,000 glaciers would remain worldwide by the end of this century. This drastic reduction in the number of glaciers is based on a major new international study led by the Chair of Glaciology at ETH Zurich. The study, which is the first of its kind, also found that limiting warming to 1.5 C could preserve roughly 100,000 glaciers. According to the study's lead author, Lander Van Tricht, the findings highlight the urgent need for climate action. "Every fraction of a degree of warming could decide the fate of these glaciers," Van Tricht said. "Our research shows that the window for preserving glaciers is rapidly closing, and we must take immediate action to limit warming to 1.5 C." The study's results are based on a comprehensive analysis of glacier data from around the world. Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate the impact of different warming scenarios on glacier populations. The results show a dramatic contrast between the two scenarios: while 18,000 glaciers would remain if temperatures rise to 4.0 C, roughly 100,000 glaciers could be preserved if warming is limited to 1.5 C. The study also introduced the concept of "Peak Glacier Extinction," which marks the year when glacier loss accelerates irreversibly. According to the study, this tipping point is likely to occur in the mid-21st century, with the majority of glaciers disappearing by the end of the century. The loss of glaciers has significant cultural and economic implications. Glaciers are not only important indicators of climate change, but they also provide vital ecosystem services, including water supply and flood regulation. In addition, glaciers are a major tourist attraction, generating significant revenue for local economies. The study's findings have important implications for policymakers and climate negotiators. "Our research shows that the window for preserving glaciers is rapidly closing, and we must take immediate action to limit warming to 1.5 C," Van Tricht said. "This requires a fundamental transformation of our energy systems, transportation, and land use patterns." The study's results are based on a comprehensive analysis of glacier data from around the world. Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate the impact of different warming scenarios on glacier populations. The results show a dramatic contrast between the two scenarios: while 18,000 glaciers would remain if temperatures rise to 4.0 C, roughly 100,000 glaciers could be preserved if warming is limited to 1.5 C. The study's findings have been welcomed by climate experts, who say they highlight the urgent need for climate action. "This study is a wake-up call for policymakers and the public," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a climate scientist at the University of California. "We must take immediate action to limit warming to 1.5 C and preserve the world's glaciers for future generations." The study's results are based on a comprehensive analysis of glacier data from around the world. Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate the impact of different warming scenarios on glacier populations. The results show a dramatic contrast between the two scenarios: while 18,000 glaciers would remain if temperatures rise to 4.0 C, roughly 100,000 glaciers could be preserved if warming is limited to 1.5 C. The study's findings have important implications for policymakers and climate negotiators. "Our research shows that the window for preserving glaciers is rapidly closing, and we must take immediate action to limit warming to 1.5 C," Van Tricht said. "This requires a fundamental transformation of our energy systems, transportation, and land use patterns." The study's results are based on a comprehensive analysis of glacier data from around the world. Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate the impact of different warming scenarios on glacier populations. The results show a dramatic contrast between the two scenarios: while 18,000 glaciers would remain if temperatures rise to 4.0 C, roughly 100,000 glaciers could be preserved if warming is limited to 1.5 C. The study's findings have been welcomed by climate experts, who say they highlight the urgent need for climate action. "This study is a wake-up call for policymakers and the public," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a climate scientist at the University of California. "We must take immediate action to limit warming to 1.5 C and preserve the world's glaciers for future generations."