Valais: Aletsch Glacier Could Disappear Before 2100

The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Valais, Switzerland, faces the risk of complete disappearance before the end of the century. Recent studies indicate that this 20 km long white giant has been receding by an average of 40 meters per year since 2000. This worrying trend highlights that the Alpine region has warmed by 2.9°C since the pre-industrial era, twice the global average, signaling severe consequences.

The threat is not limited to the glacier's disappearance but also extends to increasing geological risks. A study by Legambiente, the Italian Glaciological Foundation, and CIPRA Italia warns that glacier melt is closely linked to mountain instability. The Italian organization notes the presence of unstable moraines, open fractures, and active deformations along the slopes overlooking the glacier, increasing the risk of collapses.

In the face of this alarming situation, Legambiente has launched a manifesto calling on the European Union and Switzerland to strengthen their climate policies. The organization specifically calls for a European monitoring system for the cryosphere, transnational governance of glaciers, and more ambitious adaptation and mitigation policies. The most pessimistic climate models predict that only a few ice caps at the highest altitudes might remain by 2100. Despite recent snowfall in July, the glacier's condition remains critical, with visible blackening on its flanks and a significant loss of thickness, particularly at its terminal tongue.

Regional Perspective

The Aletsch Glacier, a famous natural landmark in Switzerland's Valais region, is a major concern for locals and tourists alike. The disappearance of this glacier, the longest in the Alps, will not only affect the region's unique landscapes but will also exacerbate geological risks, such as landslides, threatening nearby infrastructure and communities. Furthermore, the impact on eco-tourism, heavily reliant on glacier aesthetics for activities like hiking and skiing, will be devastating.

Immediate Implications

What happens next: Experts anticipate the glacier's retreat to accelerate if decisive climate action is not taken. Increased landslides could disrupt roads and villages in the valley.
Time-sensitive opportunities or risks: There is a narrow window of opportunity for global climate action to mitigate the worst-case scenarios. Businesses in the tourism sector that rely on glacier-related activities, such as hiking and skiing, may face a sharp decline in revenue.

Analysis

The retreat of the Aletsch Glacier reflects a broader and more concerning trend in the Alps, where glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate due to climate change. The significant rise in Alpine temperatures, exceeding the global average, underscores the urgent need for robust global climate policies. Legambiente's call to strengthen climate policies and for transnational monitoring of glaciers highlights the interconnected nature of this issue. The geological landslide risks associated with glacier melt pose a direct challenge to public safety and urban planning in mountainous areas.