Glaciers to reach peak rate of extinction in the Alps in eight years

"Glaciers in the European Alps are likely to reach their peak rate of extinction in only eight years, according to a study, with more than 100 due to melt away permanently by 2033. Glaciers in the western US and Canada are forecast to reach their peak year of loss less than a decade later, with more than 800 disappearing each year by then."

"About 200,000 glaciers remain worldwide, with about 750 disappearing each year. However, the research indicates this pace will accelerate rapidly as emissions from burning fossil fuels continue to be released into the atmosphere. Current climate action plans from governments are forecast to push global temperatures to about 2.7C above preindustrial levels, supercharging extreme weather. Under this scenario, glacier losses would peak at about 3,000 a year in 2040 and plateau at that rate until 2060."

Glaciers in the European Alps are likely to reach their peak rate of extinction in eight years, with more than 100 due to melt away permanently by 2033. Glaciers in the western US and Canada are forecast to reach their peak year of loss less than a decade later, with more than 800 disappearing each year by then. About 200,000 glaciers remain worldwide, with roughly 750 vanishing annually today; that pace is expected to accelerate as continued fossil-fuel emissions raise global temperatures. Current policies would push temperatures toward 2.7C, driving annual glacier losses to about 3,000 by 2040 and eliminating 80% of today's glaciers by century's end. Rapid emissions cuts to meet 1.5C would cap and then reduce annual losses.

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