Glaciers melt faster than expected, raising concerns over climate change impacts

An international research team has found that glaciers are melting faster than previously thought, primarily due to climate change. Ice loss increased from 255 billion tons per year (2000-2011) to 346 billion tons (2012-2023), with a record 604 billion tons lost in 2023. The study, published in Nature, indicates that the years 2019 to 2023 saw the largest annual ice loss, averaging over 440 billion tons. The most significant losses occurred in Alaska and central Europe, where glaciers have lost up to 39% of their ice since 2000. Researchers warn that many small glaciers may not survive this century. The findings suggest a more severe impact on sea levels than previously assessed, highlighting the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions.