'Catastrophic': Swiss glaciers lose fifth of mass in five years
Switzerland's glaciers, which are disproportionately affected by climate change, have lost nearly 20% of their mass in five years, experts said Thursday, with 2026 registering the second-biggest melt on record.
Swiss glaciers have experienced a dramatic loss of mass over the past five years, with experts reporting a nearly 20% reduction in volume, according to a new study. The Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS) network found that the glaciers lost 5.5% of their volume in 2026, the second-highest annual melt on record. Matthias Huss, the chief of GLAMOS, described 2026 as a "catastrophic year" for the glaciers, warning that they may not survive for another 10 to 15 years.
The rapid melting, fueled by record temperatures and minimal snowfall, has left the glaciers exposed and drastically thinner. Some glaciers have lost up to 10 meters of thickness during the summer, while the average ice thickness has decreased by 2.5 to 4.0 meters. The loss of ice is estimated to be equivalent to four times the annual freshwater consumption of Swiss households.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for action to address the accelerating ice loss and its potential impact on water resources.
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