A series of summer heatwaves in Europe has caused significant melting of Alpine glaciers, with researchers warning of potential record-breaking ice loss this year.
Key facts
- •The Rhône glacier has lost 30 million tonnes of ice this year, equivalent to 12,000 Olympic swimming pools.
- •More than 1,000 Swiss glaciers, representing 40 per cent of the total, have vanished over the last 50 years.
- •Glacier loss day in the Swiss Alps occurred on 2 July, significantly earlier than the expected late September date.
- •The Rhône glacier has retreated nearly 2 kilometres since its appearance in the 1964 film Goldfinger.
- •Experts warn that 97 per cent of Alpine glaciers could be gone by 2100 under current climate policies.
Glaciers in the Alps are experiencing extreme melting this season, driven by a series of heatwaves across Europe. Researchers at ETH Zurich report that the Rhône glacier has already lost 9 metres of ice, with the potential for this year to surpass the record-breaking ice loss seen in 2022. The rapid melt is causing structural instability, including the formation of large crevasses and increased rockfalls, as the region faces what some have described as a "massacre" of its glacial ice.
By the numbers
Impact of extreme summer heat
The melting season began early this year due to an unusual heatwave in May, with the point where summer melt exceeds winter snowfall occurring on 2 July, months earlier than the typical late September date. On the Rhône glacier, the melt line has reached elevations above 3100 metres, a level rarely seen in previous decades. This accelerated melting has already resulted in the loss of 30 million tonnes of ice from the Rhône glacier alone.
Consequences for water and infrastructure
The retreat of glaciers threatens critical water sources, including the Rhône river, which supports hydroelectric power plants, nuclear reactor cooling, and agricultural irrigation for French vineyards. As glaciers pass "peak water," their contribution to summer river flows is declining. Furthermore, the thawing of permafrost and glaciers has increased the risk of natural disasters, such as rockfalls and ice avalanches, leading to the closure of ski areas and ice tunnels.
Long-term outlook and mitigation
Under current climate policies, scientists project that over 97 per cent of glaciers in the Alps could disappear by 2100. While some resorts have used geotextiles to slow melting, experts note that such measures are costly and uncertain. Researchers emphasize that limiting global warming to 2°C could significantly increase the number of glaciers that survive until the end of the century.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by New Scientist.
