Glaciers to Disappear by 2100: Research Determines Melt Peak Year.

According to ТСН: The planet is on the brink of a 'great melting' of mountain glaciers. Future generations may find themselves in a world where glaciers become a rarity. Recent research by Swiss scientists has shown that the peak of glacier disappearance could occur in less than two decades, and by the end of the century, their numbers could decrease tenfold.

As of today, there are over 200,000 glaciers on Earth. However, if global climate change remains unchecked, their numbers could fall to 18,000 within this century.

What is the 'melting peak'

Scientists have tried to determine when the number of glaciers disappearing each year will reach its maximum.

• Optimistic scenario (+1.5°C): If global warming can be contained, the 'melting peak' will occur around 2041, with approximately 2,000 glaciers disappearing each year.

• Business as usual scenario (+4°C): If the planet's temperature jumps by 4 degrees, the peak will shift to 2055, and we will lose about 4,000 glaciers each year.

“For the first time, we have determined the years when each individual glacier on Earth will disappear,” said the lead author of the study, Lander Van Tricht.

The Alps and Andes at Risk

Forecasts for glacier 'survival' by 2100 look bleak, especially for popular tourist regions.

In the warming scenario (+4°C):

• The Alps: only 20 glaciers will remain (less than 1% of the current number). Even medium-sized glaciers, such as the Ron glacier, will disappear.

• The Rocky Mountains: approximately 100 glaciers will survive (<1%).

• The Andes and Central Asia: will lose between 94% and 96% of their ice.

Why This Matters

Glacier disappearance is not just a change in the natural landscape. These glaciers perform essential functions for local communities.

“Every glacier is tied to a place, a history, and the people who feel its loss,” emphasized Van Tricht.

Glaciers provide drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and electricity for hydropower plants. Without glaciers, millions of people may be left without water.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that changes in the ocean accelerate glacier melting in East Antarctica, where central areas are warming faster than expected according to climate models.

This data highlights the critical importance of taking urgent action to combat climate change. To avoid catastrophic consequences, the global community must find effective solutions to preserve glaciers and ensure water resources for future generations.