Climate change shrinking glaciers faster than ever, with 7 trillion tons lost since 2000

A new study published in Nature reveals alarming rates of glacier melting worldwide, with losses accelerating significantly. From 2000 to 2011, glaciers lost approximately 255 billion tons of ice annually, a figure that surged to 346 billion tons from 2011 to 2021. In 2023, the loss reached a record 604 billion tons.

The research, involving 233 estimates of glacier weight changes, indicates that over 7 trillion tons of ice have melted since 2000. Glaciologist William Colgan warns that the rapid retreat of glaciers is a clear indicator of climate change.

Alaska’s glaciers are melting fastest, losing about 67 billion tons annually, while Central Europe has seen a 39% reduction in glacier size since 2000. Experts emphasize that this significant ice loss contributes to rising sea levels and poses future water availability challenges. The study underscores the urgent need for action against greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these impacts.