Venezuela had six glaciers covering a total area of 1,000 square kilometers in 1910. However, over time, these glaciers have shrunk and were no longer classified as glaciers. The last remaining glacier, the Humboldt Glacier in the Sierra Nevada national park, is now so small that it has been reclassified as an ice field.
Research conducted over the past few decades has shown a significant decrease in glacier coverage in Venezuela, with a 98% reduction from 1953 to 2019. The rate of ice loss has accelerated since 1998, with a peak of about 17% per year from 2016 onwards. In an effort to protect the Humboldt Glacier, the Venezuelan government covered it with geotextile material, but this plan failed and raised concerns among conservationists. The geotextile material could decompose into microplastics over time, leading to pollution in the ecosystem. This could have long-term impacts on the environment and human health.
The decline of glaciers in Venezuela is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet. It highlights the urgent need for countries to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our natural resources. As glaciers continue to disappear, we must prioritize conservation efforts and sustainable practices to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.