Swiss glaciers are melting at record speed: a heritage in danger

In Switzerland, glaciers are not only spectacular landscapes: they represent a freshwater reserve, a tourist attraction, and a national symbol. However, recent studies show that melting is accelerating. Between 2022 and 2024, Swiss glaciers lost nearly 10 % of their volume, a figure that alarms scientists and residents.

Melting twice as fast as expected

According to experts from the Swiss Academy of Sciences, higher temperatures and scorching summers are causing the ice to melt much faster than initially predicted. In just two years, the equivalent of the entire volume of ice lost during the 30 years from 1960 to 1990 has disappeared.

Consequences for water and agriculture

Glaciers feed Swiss rivers and lakes. Their disappearance threatens water supplies, particularly in summer, for:

• agriculture (crop irrigation),
• hydroelectric production,
• domestic consumption.

Without these natural reserves, droughts are likely to intensify.

An impact on tourism and the landscape

Mountain tourism in Switzerland relies in part on glaciers, such as the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in Europe. Their retreat is transforming the landscape and causing concern for ski resorts. Mountain guides are already seeing routes that have become dangerous due to the melting.

Switzerland at the heart of the climate fight

With 1.5 billion pounds of global glacial ice concentrated within its borders, Switzerland is one of the most affected countries. It therefore plays a key role in international discussions, particularly at the Geneva conferences on climate and plastic pollution.

Global warming Emergency or not?

Swiss glaciers are disappearing at an unprecedented rate, highlighting the urgent need to act against global warming. Preserving this natural heritage is a major challenge, both for Switzerland and the rest of the world. Throughout our planet's history, there have been successive periods of very hot and very cold climates; the question is how to measure the impact of humankind on these changes. The scientific world is divided on the issue because, while the warming that everyone can feel and measure is proven, its causes, whether totally, partially, or slightly induced by humans, are difficult to measure and estimate.