2025 has been named the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation by the UN, a global call to reflect on the rapid disappearance of our planet's frozen giants ❄️
In early December, the Bircher Glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed, sending millions of tons of ice and rock barreling down into the village of Blatten. Locals woke up to what felt like a frozen tsunami, a rare event that stunned both residents and scientists ⛰️
Professor Daniel Farinotti and his team from ETH Zurich and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF have mobilized to investigate. They’re studying ice thickness, rock composition, and melt patterns to pinpoint the triggers behind this dramatic collapse. Their mission? To improve early-warning systems if it happens again ⏳
As the Alps warm, glacier stability is decreasing. Minor temperature shifts can spark massive ice falls. Blatten’s ordeal could be a preview of what other Alpine communities might face if current warming trends continue 🌡️
This glacier collapse is a stark reminder that the time for action on climate change is now. From policy decisions to everyday choices, every effort counts to protect these icy treasures and the communities that depend on them 🌍🧊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
