Switzerland’s iconic glaciers are vanishing faster than ever, with 3% of their total ice mass lost in just one year – the fourth-worst melt recorded since measurements began. The culprit? A brutal combo of light snowfall and scorching summer heatwaves, according to new data from glacier monitoring group GLAMOS. 🥵
Winter’s Missing Snow, Summer’s Fiery Punch
Last winter left the Swiss Alps’ northeastern regions unusually bare, with snow levels far below average. Then came June’s record-breaking heat, turning what little snow remained into slush. Matthias Huss, director of GLAMOS, called the loss "really a lot" – and it’s part of a worrying trend: Swiss glaciers have lost over 60% of their volume since 1850. 📉
Why It Matters for Everyone
Glaciers aren’t just postcard material – they’re crucial water sources for rivers, hydropower, and ecosystems. Their rapid decline could disrupt everything from agriculture to tourism. Scientists say this melt is a climate wake-up call, urging faster action to curb emissions before these icy giants become history. 🔥💧
