Global glacier ice loss accelerates by 36% in past decade

Ice loss from the world's glaciers has increased by 36% over the last decade, according to a new global assessment. Researchers found that an average of 273 billion tonnes of ice is lost each year, significantly impacting freshwater resources and sea levels. The study, coordinated by the World Glacier Monitoring Service, shows that glaciers have lost about five percent of their volume since 2000. Loss rates vary regionally, with the European Alps experiencing up to a 40% decline, while Antarctica has seen a two percent loss. The findings suggest that glacier melt will contribute to higher sea-level rise than previously expected. Smaller glaciers are currently the main contributors, but the research raises concerns about the potential impact on larger ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland.