Published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, the findings are based on the most comprehensive and accurate data to date, say the researchers. This was the first study to include every glacier in the world – around 220,000 in total. Numerous universities and institutes contributed to the study, including Swiss ones.
Between 2000 and 2019, the world’s glaciers lost a total of 267 gigatonnes of ice per year on average – enough to put Switzerland under six metres of water. The melt rate increased considerably over the years: From 2000-2004 it was 227 gigatonnes, but from 2015-2019 it was 298. Over the course of 15 years, the glaciers lost 31% more snow and ice per year.
For their calculations, the researchers used photos captured via a multispectral imager on NASA’s Terra satellite. The ASTER imager has two cameras that provide high-resolution elevation models. Using these as well as a supercomputer, the team was able to measure changes in the thickness and mass of the ice. The study did not include the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica.
The research will be included in the next assessment report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
“Our findings are important on a political level. The world really needs to act now to prevent the worst-case climate change scenario,” says co-author Daniel Farinotti, head of the glaciology group at ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL.
Some of the fastest melting glaciers are in Alaska, Iceland and the Alps. The study authors cite a shortage of meltwater in the Himalayas as a worry in terms of water and food security in India and Bangladesh in the next few decades.
More
Why melting glaciers affect us all
Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. The consequences will be felt not only in the Swiss Alps but all over the planet.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss authorities keep close eye on West Nile fever in Italy
This content was published on
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation after the death toll in Italy due to the disease has risen to seven.
Swiss authorities aim to keep negotiating with US on tariffs
This content was published on
A day after the US tariff shock, Swiss officials are still in contact with Washington. One economist meanwhile warns of a hit to Swiss jobs.
Bern biodiversity project brings boost for forest bees
This content was published on
More sunlit areas in forests can boost the number of wild bees – both in overall terms and in terms of species diversity.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
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
Glacier tarpaulins an effective but expensive shield against heat
This content was published on
Protecting Swiss glaciers with white tarpaulins reduces ice and snow melt by around 60%, but cannot be applied on a large scale for reasons of cost.
Young Swiss artist captures fading glaciers using old techniques
This content was published on
Swiss artist Douglas Mandry has managed to record the process of their disappearance by experimenting with old photography methods.
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.