Scientists document the global disappearance of glaciers

The melting of glaciers worldwide is accelerating, with many already gone, prompting scientists to create an inventory of these lost ice masses.

Kasha Patel reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• Thousands of glaciers have vanished globally, with losses in regions including Venezuela, New Zealand and Switzerland.
• Scientists are now tracking these extinct glaciers, creating inventories to map the extent of the losses.
• Smaller glaciers may be beyond saving, even with drastic climate action, though larger glaciers might still have a chance.

Key quote:

“The end happened so fast.”

— Mauri Pelto, glaciologist at Nichols College

Why this matters:

Glacial loss signals the rapid advance of climate change, threatening water sources and ecosystems. The irreversible disappearance of smaller glaciers highlights the urgency of global climate action.

Read more: People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm