What glaciers will disappear by 2050?
The glacier of Santa Isabel, located in Colombia, would disappear within 10 years. Find out here other glaciers that not exist by 2050
The National Water Study 2018 indicates that by 2050, the snowfalls of the coffee nation would disappear due to climate change. Colombia has faced hard periods of drought, which have reduced the Colombian glacier mass by 56%.
Leer en español: ¿Qué glaciares desaparecerán para 2050?
If this report is correct in its predictions, by 2050 the 7 glaciers in the country would have ceased to exist. The fact is alarming, but Colombia is not the only country that faces this painful situation.
In Latin America, specifically in Peru, the Quelccaya glacier by 2050 would be nothing more than a memory. According to the iagua portal, "the total area of the ice sheet has decreased by 31% in the last 30 years". So scientists warn, based on their projections, that by 2050 the glacier would have disappeared in its entirety.
In Europe, on the other hand, according to information collected by La Nación, the 21 glaciers that exist in the Pyrenees would be extinct even before 2050. The progressive increase in temperatures would be the culprit of the melting that these mountains face. This would be the visual and true example of the existence of climate change and its harmful effects on the planet.
Is there something to do?
In statements collected by Semana, the Minister of the Environment of Colombia, Ricardo Lozano, affirms that in the specific case of Colombia "what we have left now is to restore the upper basin, stop deforestation and take care of the páramo and the sub-zone that it is below the glacier so that the water supply does not fade away".
Also read: Everything you need to know about the ecological footprint
It should be noted that each glacier is different, so the particularities of each case will lead to different strategies. However, taking IGNORE INTO account that climate change is the main cause of melting, the reduction of greenhouse gases and highly polluting particles is essential to stop the disappearance of glaciers.
What can I do?
We tend to think that as individuals, our impact on the world is insignificant, but the truth is that if we all do our part we can reduce our negative footprint in the world.
Here are some actions you can take:
- Use non-polluting means of transportation such as bicycles or skates
- If you must travel long distances opt for public transport
- Avoid the use of air conditioning and heating
- Make proper use of resources such as water and paper
Also read: Are you not productive at work? It's not you, it's climate change
- Acquire local products
- Reduce the use of plastic, especially single-use like straws
- Recycle and reuse containers, clothes, appliances, etc.
- Support governmental and private initiatives that benefit the environment such as reforestation
LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza
Translated from “¿Qué glaciares desaparecerán para 2050?”
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