Austria Faces the Loss of Its Glaciers Within 45 Years

The Austrian Alpine Club raised alarms on Friday about the potential loss of all of Austria's glaciers within the next 45 years, signaling an urgent environmental crisis. The stark warning comes after observations showed that two of the nation's glaciers receded by approximately 100 meters last year alone. Further analysis revealed an average shrinkage of 23.9 meters across 93 Austrian glaciers, marking the third largest glacier melt recorded since measurements began in 1891.

According to Sky News, Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer, the head of the glacier measurement department at the Alpine Club, stated, "In 40 to 45 years, Austria will almost be without glaciers."

The Austrian Alpine Club has called for enhanced protection of the glaciers, pointing out that the biodiversity in the Alpine regions is under continuous threat due to the construction of new ski lifts.

The World Meteorological Organization notes that the world's major glaciers are experiencing unprecedented melting since measurements commenced in the 1950s. This situation is particularly "severe" in Western North America and Europe, highlighting a critical need for global attention and action to address the impacts of climate change on glacier retreat.