Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border Amid Melting Glaciers

Switzerland and Italy have officially redrawn part of their Alpine border beneath the Matterhorn due to melting glaciers, which are altering historically defined frontiers, The Guardian reported yesterday.

The agreement affects regions in Switzerland’s Zermatt and Italy’s Aosta Valley and was reached by a joint commission in May 2023. Switzerland approved the treaty recently, while Italy still needs to sign.

The Swiss government noted that significant sections of the border are defined by glaciers, which are retreating rapidly due to climate change. In 2023, Swiss glaciers lost 4% of their volume, following a 6% decline in 2022. Experts have even stopped measuring some glaciers due to their disappearance.

The changes also impact the Zermatt ski resort and surrounding landmarks, such as Testa Grigia and Plateau Rosa. Meanwhile, the Marmolada glacier in the Dolomites is projected to melt completely by 2040, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges in the region.