A new report published in the Nature Journal reveals that world glaciers have lost approximately 5% of their ice since 2000, with Alaska experiencing even more significant losses, shrinking by over 8% in the same period. Alaska accounts for nearly a quarter of global glacial losses, driven by rapid warming—2-3 times faster than the global average. The state is home to nearly 20,000 glaciers, covering an area comparable to West Virginia, with regions like Glacier Bay National Park losing about 20% of glacial area since 1985.
The report is the outcome of a collaboration among numerous international scientists, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of glacier responses to climate change by analyzing more than 200 regions. Various methods, including satellite imagery, radar, lasers, and gravity measurements, were used to track changes in glacier size and impact on ecosystems. Despite their smaller size, these glaciers are crucial indicators of climate change, influencing freshwater resources, tourism, and river health.
