The Alps To Lose A Record Number Of Glaciers In Next Decade
Eurasia Review1 day
Study: 3,000 Glaciers to Vanish Yearly by 2040s
Is glacier retreat a natural cycle that has repeated throughout history, or an accelerating crisis threatening billions?
Above: Morteratsch Glacier, Switzerland. Image credit: Unsplash
The Spin
Climate-skeptic narrative
Alpine glacier retreat is a natural cycle that has occurred throughout history, with the Alps being completely ice-free 6,000 years ago when CO2 levels were pre-industrial. These glaciers expanded only during the Little Ice Age and have been retreating naturally since 1850, driven primarily by increased sunshine due to cleaner air rather than alleged climate change or global warming.
Climate-concerned narrative
Glacier loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 1,000 glaciers disappearing annually now and potentially 3,000 by 2040. Current climate policies will result in 79% of the world's glaciers vanishing by 2100, threatening water supplies for 2 billion people, raising sea levels by 25 centimeters and increasing deadly glacial lake floods unless strong emission cuts are made.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 45% chance that large scale solar radiation management will be used to mitigate the effects of climate change in the 21st century, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
The Controversies
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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0