Glaciers around the world are melting increasingly quickly due to climate change. Thousands of them have already disappeared since the year 2000. It is expected that Alpine glaciers, for example, will reach their peak rate of extinction within the next eight years.

There are currently around 200,000 glaciers worldwide of which about 750 currently disappear every year. But if we continue to warm the climate as we are doing, this will probably increase to 3,000 disappearing every year by 2040.

Unless we do something dramatic to reduce global warming, these losses will continue throughout this century, destroying 80% of our current glaciers.

Does it matter?

Melting glaciers cause sea levels to rise and flood coastal towns and some of the world’s most important cities. Glaciers supply water to around two billion people as well as providing sport and tourist attractions.

In some countries they have a spiritual significance. Funerals for glaciers have taken place in Switzerland, Iceland, Nepal and elsewhere. Māori culture regards them as ancestors.

More information

Glaciers to reach peak rate of extinction in the Alps in eight years

Peak glacier extinction in the mid-twenty-first century

Global Glacier Casualty List

Les Informes Discuss Disappearance of Glaciers on French Radio