Scientist predicts 30% of Swiss glacier ice could be saved
Even if the 2015 Paris climate accord is effectively implemented, Switzerland’s smaller glaciers are still doomed, but up to one-third of all ice stored in larger glaciers could be saved, according to Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/sb
“The smaller glaciers are lost,” Huss told the AZ Media Group in an interview on Friday.
Many of the smaller glaciers have no snow coverage, which reflects the sun and heat and slows the melting process. A glacier that is not covered with snow on at least 60% of its surface area at the end of summer is condemned to death, the scientist from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) declared.
He cites the example of the Pizol Glacier in canton St Gallen, which he says is too small to survive.
Huss estimates that by 2100 a maximum of 30% of glacier ice in Switzerland could be saved if the Paris Accord – which aims to limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius – is implemented.
The hot weather and drought conditions in Switzerland since mid-May have reduced any significant advantages glaciers may have enjoyed thanks to an extremely snowy 2017-2018 winter season. Huss says 2018 could prove to be even worse for glaciers than 2017, which was already one of the worst years.
In previous warm years Swiss glaciers have benefits from small layers of new protective snow, but not this year, he explained.
“The melting of glaciers has accelerated in several phases,” continued Huss. Significant losses were recorded in the 1940s, followed by a “balanced phase” until 1985. Melting then accelerated sharply and has increased steadily since 2011.
More
More
Most glaciers in central Switzerland to disappear by 2090
This content was published on
The vast majority of glaciers in central Switzerland will have totally disappeared by the end of the 21st century, a study has revealed.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss scientists to study microbial life in extreme environments
This content was published on
The researchers aim to understand how these organisms to thrive in extreme conditions, and how they could be affected by climate change.
This content was published on
A detailed pollExternal link, commissioned by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation – swissinfo.ch’s parent company – found 85% of respondents acknowledging global warming as a fact, while 14% said they were not entirely convinced. One percent denied it outright. Most respondents recognise that melting glaciers and rockslides are a consequence of the warmer climate in Switzerland…
Most glaciers in central Switzerland to disappear by 2090
This content was published on
The vast majority of glaciers in central Switzerland will have totally disappeared by the end of the 21st century, a study has revealed.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.