Nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers are already doomed, scientists say

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study published in Science reveals that nearly 40% of global glacier mass is already irreversibly lost, even if global warming stopped today
• If current climate policies persist, that figure could rise to 76%, contributing significantly to sea level rise and jeopardizing water security for millions

🔭 The context: Glaciers are crucial freshwater sources and climate regulators. The Paris Agreement aimed to limit global warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C
• However, current trajectories suggest up to 2.9°C of warming by 2100
• This study extends projections beyond the 21st century, factoring in long-term glacier response to sustained temperature increases

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Glacier melt contributes to sea level rise, threatens water availability in vulnerable regions, and alters hydrological systems
• While 39% loss is already locked in, the study emphasizes that every fraction of a degree less warming can meaningfully reduce future losses
• The difference between 39% and 76% loss could mean the difference between adaptation and irreversible collapse for affected communities

⏭️ What's next: Key implications include the urgent need for nations to strengthen emissions reduction commitments ahead of the next round of climate negotiations
• The study also calls for improved glacier modelling and monitoring to inform regional adaptation strategies
• Expect increased focus on climate resilience in glacial regions, particularly in North America, Scandinavia, and the Russian Arctic

💬 One quote: "With every tenth of a degree less of global warming, we can preserve glacier ice," — Lilian Schuster, University of Innsbruck

📈 One stat: Each additional 0.1°C of warming between 1.5°C and 3°C will result in a further 2% loss of global glacier mass, according to the study

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