Switzerland’s glaciers continued to melt rapidly in 2024, despite a snowy winter, losing 2.4% of their volume in a year. The Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS) reported that this annual shrinkage far exceeded the average annual loss from 2010 to 2020, which was 1.9%. While the loss was less severe than the record-setting melt of 2022 and 2023, Swiss glaciers remain in rapid retreat, fueled by climate change.
Exceptional Year for Accumulation and Melt
The past 12 months saw extraordinary conditions for both snow accumulation and ice melt. Winter snowfall was 30% above average, and early summer rains initially benefitted the glaciers. However, a series of hot months, especially in August, led to record glacier mass losses. GLAMOS head Matthias Huss expressed disappointment, stating, “We are living in a time of rapid climate change, and glaciers cannot keep pace.”
Saharan Dust Increases Melting Rates
A key contributor to the glacier melt was Sahara dust, which repeatedly blanketed the Alps during the winter and spring. This dust darkened the snow, increasing its heat absorption and accelerating melt rates. Researchers estimated that the Saharan dust increased melt rates by 10-20%. This resulted in an earlier loss of the protective snow layer, exposing glaciers to further melting in the summer heat.
Far-Reaching Consequences for Water Resources
The ongoing glacier retreat poses major challenges, especially regarding water management. Glaciers act as a crucial water source during summer months, but their reduced volume threatens water supplies downstream. GLAMOS warned that dwindling ice could lead to difficulties in managing water resources during future droughts.
Need for Immediate Climate Action
The rapid loss of Swiss glaciers illustrates the urgent need for global climate action. GLAMOS emphasized that under current conditions, stabilizing the glaciers is impossible, even with optimal winters. The United Nations has warned that the world remains far from achieving the goals set by the 2015 Paris climate accord. Matthias Huss stressed that climate change must become a priority for global decision-makers, urging immediate action to curb warming.