Glaciers, defined as being larger than 0.1 square kilometers, are rapidly disappearing due to climate change. In May, Venezuela’s La Corona glacier was the focus of attention as its size dwindled to just 0.02 square kilometers, marking a significant decrease in size and indicating the impact of climate change on these frozen bodies of water. Similarly, Slovenia’s glaciers, including Skuta, have also shrunk below the 0.1 square kilometer threshold. Researchers emphasize that real glaciers exhibit mobility and crevasses, characteristics that have been absent in the shrinking glaciers in these regions.
The disappearance of glaciers is causing concern for populations downstream in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia who rely on glacier meltwater for their livelihoods. The acceleration of glacier melting is a direct result of global warming, with experts warning of the devastating effects of losing these natural reservoirs of fresh water. As more glaciers disappear worldwide, the urgency to address climate change and its impacts becomes increasingly apparent.
In Slovenia, the Skuta glacier started shrinking as early as 1969 with Triglav mountain and Skuta glacier no longer showing any signs of movement or crevasses. It is estimated that 18-36 percent of glaciers worldwide will disappear due to climate change in this century alone with countries like Slovenia and Venezuela already losing all their glaciers. The loss of these frozen bodies of water has significant implications for both the environment and local communities who rely on them for their livelihoods.
