Report Says Climate Change Causes the Loss of 200 Main Glaciers in Italy
Italy's environmental group, Legambiente, said in a report that since records began in 1895, more than 200 major Alpine glaciers have gone away.
In its third "Caravan of the Glaciers" report, Legambiente stated that the most recent data confirms "the tremendous retreat of glaciers as a result of the climate crisis."
According to the group, Alpine temperatures are rising twice as fast as temperatures at sea level, and ground snow has been reduced every year since 2012, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Legambiente stated that the report was created to inform policymakers about sustainable development policies. It has been carried out in collaboration with the Italian Glaciological Committee.
The phenomenon is believed to have far-reaching effects.
"The rapid retreat of glacial fronts not only leads to the loss of fascinating landscapes and biodiversity, but it also amounts to the disappearance of important freshwater reserves," the report said.
The lack of fresh water from glacial deposits is a major factor in the drought that has gripped the majority of Italy and is threatening to limit agricultural output, particularly in northern Italy, where water from glaciers is a vital component of the ecosystem.
A melting glacier produced a massive avalanche on the Marmolada in Italy's Dolomites Mountains last month, killing eleven hikers. Officials and specialists attributed the incident to extreme heat.
Source: IANS
