In a comprehensive new study that unifies global glacier research, scientists have found that the world’s ice disappears faster than before, affecting coastal cities and mountainous communities that rely on glacier water.
The study, published in nature, shows that glaciers around the world have lost an average of 273 billion tons of ice per year since 2000, a 36% accelerated in recent years. This loss represents enough water to meet 30 years of global drinking demand.
“Glaciers are important freshwater resources, especially for local communities in Central Asia and the central Andes, where glaciers occupy runoff during warm and dry seasons,” explained Inés Dussaillant, a glacierologist at the University of Zurich who participated in the analysis.
The study, known as the Glambie Mass Balance Comparison Exercise (Glambie), combines 35 research teams and about 450 scientists to bring together multiple types of measurements (from direct field observation to satellite data), to pool the results of satellite data, Unprecedented cooperation. Global glacier changes.
The key is to find a vivid picture
Since 2000, the total number of glaciers worldwide has lost about 5%, with great regional variations. Although some regions lost 2% of their ice, central Europe’s glaciers fell by 39%. The loss rate increased significantly in the second half of the research period (2012-2023), with annual losses increasing from 231 billion tons to 314 billion tons.
“We compiled 233 estimates of glacier mass estimates in the region, with changes from about 450 data contributors organized in 35 research teams,” said Michael Zemp, co-led by the study. “From the difference Benefiting from the observational method, Granby not only provides new insights into regional trends and year-on-year variability, but we can also identify differences between observational methods.”
Oceans rise, resources shrink
Between 2000 and 2023, the total loss of ice was 6.52 billion tons, contributing 18 mm to global sea level rise. This makes glaciers the second largest contributor to the rising ocean, surpassing Greenland and the Antarctic ice sheets. The study found that glacier mass loss was 18% higher than that of Greenland’s ice sheet loss, while Antarctic’s borneol loss was more than twice as high.
Alaska alone accounts for nearly a quarter of its contribution to sea level rise, emphasizing the important role of certain regions in global change. “When it comes to sea level rise, the Arctic and Antarctic regions and their larger glacial areas are key players,” Dussaillant noted.
Technology promotes understanding
The study represents a significant advancement in how scientists can monitor glacier changes, combining traditional field measurements with data from multiple satellite missions. These include optical, radar, laser and weight gauge satellites from various space agencies around the world.
“This study is the result of years of ongoing efforts by communities and space agencies to leverage various satellites that were not originally designed specifically for missions to monitor glacier monitoring around the world,” said Noel Gourmelen, co-leader of the study.
Looking to the future
These findings occur at a critical moment as the United Nations prepares to launch its International Year of Glacier Conservation and the Decade of Cryospheric Sciences (2025-2034). The study also provides essential baseline data for the program’s response to areas with water scarcity and ocean rise.
Stephen Plummer, an applied scientist for Earth Observation at ESA, highlighted the broader implications: “These findings are not only crucial to our scientific understanding of global glacier changes, but also provide valuable benchmarks to help Regional response to managing scarce and rare freshwater resources and challenges can help develop effective mitigation strategies to combat rising sea levels.”
As global temperatures continue to rise, the study suggests that glacier losses may accelerate further, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies in vulnerable areas.
If you find this piece useful, consider supporting our work with a one-time or monthly donation. Your contribution allows us to continue to bring you accurate, thought-provoking scientific and medical news that you can trust. Independent reporting requires time, effort, and resources, and your support makes it possible for us to continue exploring stories that are important to you. Together, we can ensure that important discoveries and developments attract those who need them the most.
