Over Half of World’s Glaciers at Risk of Disappearing by 2100

A recent study by scientists from ETH Zurich and Vrije Universiteit Brussel warns that over 50% of the world’s glaciers could vanish by the year 2100, Earth.com revealed yesterday. Under high carbon emissions scenarios, this figure could rise to 54%, with the Alps facing an alarming 75% loss.

Glaciers play a critical role in providing freshwater and maintaining local ecosystems. Their rapid melting contributes to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of floods in coastal areas. The research analyzed data from 200,000 glaciers, modeling potential outcomes based on historical trends and future emissions. Under low emissions, glaciers may lose 25-29% of their mass, while high emissions could lead to losses between 46-54%.

The findings underscore the urgent need for climate action to mitigate glacier loss and protect vital freshwater resources for millions globally.