---

UNESCO reported certain iconic glaciers on the World Heritage List will disappear by 2050

The rapid melting of glaciers in World Heritage sites is highlighted by new UNESCO data, with a third of the sites’ glaciers expected to vanish by 2050. If global temperatures rise by no more than 1.5°C beyond pre-industrial levels, the remaining two-thirds could still be saved. This will present a significant challenge for COP27.

A total of 18,600 glaciers have been found in these 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, encompassing roughly 66,000 km2, or almost 10% of the Earth’s total glacierized area. They provide a comprehensive picture of the state of glaciers around the world, including the longest (in Alaska), highest (next to Mt. Everest), and last-standing glaciers in Africa.

However, a recent study by UNESCO and the IUCN reveals that since 2000, these glaciers have been retreating more quickly as a result of CO2 emissions, which are rising temperatures. They are currently responsible for about 5% of the observed global sea-level rise and are losing 58 billion tonnes of ice per year, which is equal to the total annual water use of France and Spain.

The analysis concludes that, despite efforts to minimize temperature increases, glaciers in a third of the 50 World Heritage sites are doomed to melt by 2050. If temperatures rise by no more than 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels, the glaciers in the remaining two-thirds of sites can still be preserved.

 According to Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, ”This study is an appeal for action. The only way to rescue glaciers and the remarkable biodiversity that depends on them is by rapidly reducing our CO2 emission levels. The COP27 will play a significant part in finding answers to this problem. UNESCO is committed to helping governments achieve this objective.”

UNESCO is promoting the establishment of a global fund for glacier monitoring and protection in addition to calling for considerably lower carbon emissions. A fund of this kind will encourage thorough investigation, trade networks among all interested parties, and the implementation of early warning and disaster risk reduction strategies. Glaciers are a major supply of water for home consumption, agriculture, and power for half of humanity. Glaciers support numerous habitats and are essential to biodiversity.

According to Dr. Bruno Oberle IUCN Director General, “When glaciers melt quickly, millions of people experience water shortages, an increase in the danger of natural disasters like flooding, and the possibility of millions more being displaced due to the sea level rise that results. This study emphasizes the urgent requirement for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for funding nature-based solutions, both of which can lessen the effects of climate change and help people better adapt to them.”

All in all, this report is a call to action for the world so that iconic glaciers can be preserved.