From the glacier of the Mer De Glace, on the Mont Blanc, which has lost 300 meters of thickness in 174 years at the Montenvers station, to the Flua glacier on the Monte roseo, which became extinct in 2017. It’s hard to believe that in the 1800s, this glacier was the size of 112 soccer fields, and now it’s just a sea of rocks and debris. The alarming reality of our planet’s rapidly changing climate is hitting us hard.
According to the latest data from the compagnia di Legambiente, an environmental organization in Italy, glaciers across the Alps are disappearing at an alarming rate. The crisis is no longer just a prediction or a far-off problem, it is happening right before our eyes. The Monte roseo glacier, once a majestic and vital part of the landscape, is now just an empty basin of rocks. And it’s not the only one.
The compagnia has been meticulously monitoring the glacial retreat in the Italian Alps for the past 30 years. And the results are grim. The glaciers in Italy have lost an average of 40% of their surface area in the last century. This is a staggering number that should cause alarm and motivate all of us to take action.
But despite the gravity of the situation, there is hope. The compagnia’s mission is not only to document the disappearing glaciers, but to also raise awareness and promote concrete actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. And there are success stories that give us a glimmer of hope.
In the Dolomites, the Marmolada glacier has been in a state of “irreversible coma” due to the dramatic temperature increase. But thanks to the efforts of the local community and environmental organizations, a project is underway to revive the glacier by covering it with protective sheets during the summer months. This has resulted in a 3-meter thick layer of ice being preserved, and the glacier is showing signs of recovery.
But we cannot rely solely on these efforts to save our glaciers. We all have a responsibility to play a part in preserving our planet for future generations. Our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. We can start by reducing our carbon footprint, using renewable energy sources, and supporting eco-friendly practices. We need to shift our mindset from individualistic to collective, from short-term to long-term. It’s not just about us, it’s about the survival of our planet.
The disappearing glaciers in the Italian Alps are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the climate crisis. They not only provide important water resources and regulate our climate, but they also hold an immense cultural and historical value. These glaciers have been a part of our landscape for centuries, and it’s heartbreaking to see them disappear.
But let’s not lose hope. Let’s use this wake-up call to take action and make a positive change. We have the power to preserve and protect our planet. It’s time to act, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that the glaciers of the Italian Alps, and our planet, have a future.
