Rome – The glaciers of the Dolomites have entered an irreversible decline, with projections indicating their complete disappearance within the coming decades, according to recent scientific findings.
A study published in The Cryosphere reveals that these glaciers are no longer in equilibrium with the current climate. Andrea Securo, a researcher affiliated with both Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University and the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR), stated, “They are not in balance anymore with today’s climate.”
The Marmolada glacier, the largest in the Dolomites, exemplifies this alarming trend. It has been losing between 7 to 10 centimeters of thickness daily, leading experts to predict its complete disappearance by 2040. Since the commencement of measurements in 1888, the glacier has retreated by 1,200 meters, with a loss of 70 hectares in just the past five years.
The ramifications of this glacial retreat extend beyond the loss of natural heritage. In 2024, the melting of glaciers necessitated the redrawing of the border between Switzerland and Italy, particularly beneath the Matterhorn. This adjustment underscores the profound impact of climate change on geopolitical boundaries and local economies.
These developments serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the ongoing impacts of global warming on our planet’s delicate ecosystems.