Glacier melt accelerates, threatening freshwater supplies
The latest research reveals an increase in the rate of glacier melting on Earth, posing serious consequences, primarily regarding the loss of freshwater resources.
An international team of scientists has published findings in the journal Nature showing that the rate of glacier melting has significantly increased in the past decade. This process results in a rise in sea levels and a depletion of freshwater resources. The research, involving 35 teams of scientists, was published in the journal Nature.
Since 2000, glaciers have been losing an average of 272 billion metric tonnes of ice annually, contributing to a sea-level rise of about 2.5 centimetres. Over the past two decades, glaciers have lost approximately 5% of their volume, with a 39% loss observed in Central Europe. This research was part of the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise (Glambie) project, coordinated by the World Glacier Monitoring Service.
Michael Zemp, one of the study leaders, emphasized that "we compiled 233 estimates of regional glacier mass changes from about 450 data contributors organized in 35 research teams." The Glambie project offered new insights into regional trends and annual variability.
less freshwater
Glaciers are a crucial source of freshwater, especially for communities in Central Asia and the Andes. Glacier melting results in a significant loss of freshwater resources, as highlighted by researcher Inés Dussaillant.
"Glaciers are vital freshwater resources, especially for local communities in Central Asia and the Central Andes, where glaciers dominate runoff during warm and dry seasons," she added.
The role of space agencies
Collaborations with space agencies and satellite missions facilitated the research findings. Noel Gourmelen, co-author of the study, noted that satellite missions are designed to allow for glacier observation. Programs like the European Copernicus CRISTAL rely on the results of ESA's CryoSat missions.
The Science for Society program funded the research under the European Space Agency's FutureEO initiative. The International Association for Cryospheric Sciences and other institutional partners were also involved.
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