Switzerland
Unstable glacier near Zermatt puts alpine communities on alert
A glacier near Zermatt is breaking apart and could send debris toward the town below, highlighting the risks created by unstable alpine ice.
about 2 months ago · 2 sources
Environment
Melting Swiss Glacier Reveals Bodies of Climbers Missing for 34 Years
The bodies of two Belgian mountaineers, who went missing in 1992, have been discovered in the retreating Trift Glacier in canton Valais. The finding is a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change on the Swiss Alps.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Climate Change
Alps Under Siege: Extreme Heat Triggers Rapid Glacier Melt and Climbing Dangers
Switzerland's iconic alpine landscape is being visibly transformed by extreme heat. The Rhône Glacier is losing ice at an alarming rate, while increased rockfall risk on peaks like the Matterhorn is forcing guides to deem classic routes 'extremely dangerous'. This piece documents the immediate environmental and safety impacts.
The Local Switzerland · +2 more
Environment
Swiss Alps in Crisis: Record Glacier Melt and Drought Worsen Mountain Dangers
Switzerland is facing a severe environmental situation as rapid glacier melt, exemplified by the Rhône Glacier losing 1. 4 meters of ice in two weeks, combines with a prolonged drought. Rivers and reservoirs are at 20-year lows, and experts warn of increasingly dangerous conditions for mountain activities like climbing due to heightened risks of rockfalls.
The Local Switzerland · +5 more
Environment
Authorities in canton Valais are closely monitoring the Oigschtchummun Glacier, which is showing signs of instability and advancing. This comes nearly a year after a different glacier collapse devastated the village of Blatten, prompting intensified surveillance of glacial risks in the Lötschental valley.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
According to the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS), glaciers are emerging from winter with significantly below-average snow cover, leaving them vulnerable to the summer melt. This piece explores the worrying data and the immediate implications for the glaciers' health and Switzerland's long-term water supply.
Le News
Environment
According to the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS), glaciers are entering the summer melt season with significantly below-average snow levels, leaving them highly vulnerable after a winter with little protective snowpack.
Le News
Environment
A new report from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS) reveals that Swiss glaciers are entering the summer melt season with dangerously low levels of protective snow cover, raising alarms about accelerated ice loss in the coming months.
Le News
Environment
A warm and dry winter has left Swiss glaciers with a significant snow deficit, averaging 25% below the 2010-2020 mean. Experts warn this lack of protective snow cover could lead to an accelerated rate of glacier melt during the upcoming summer season.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Environment
An international research team led by the University of Lausanne warns that a surge in 'last-chance tourism' to witness melting glaciers could paradoxically accelerate their demise, criticizing infrastructure adaptations that fail to address the root causes of climate change.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
In a pioneering conservation effort, scientists have successfully stored the first ice cores from melting Swiss glaciers in a new, permanent ice archive in Antarctica. The initiative comes as a new report from the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences confirms that while the rate of biodiversity loss has slowed, it remains a worrying issue for the country.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Science
To preserve vital climate data from melting glaciers, scientists have transported the first ice cores from Swiss glaciers, including from Grand Combin, to a new permanent archive carved into the Antarctic snow, where they will be kept at -52°C for future research.
SWI swissinfo.ch
