(VOVWORLD) - A third of all glaciers at World Heritage Sites are on course to melt away by 2050, according to new research. UNESCO keeps a close eye on 18,600 glaciers across 50 of its 1,000 plus World Heritage sites.
 Gries glacier in Switzerland (Photo: Reuters) |
They represent almost 10 per cent of the Earth’s total glacierised area. Around 50 per cent of World Heritage glaciers could almost entirely disappear by 2100 in a business-as-usual emissions scenario.
UNESCO’s report shows that this rapid disappearance of glaciers is caused by one main factor: warming temperatures, which causes sea water rise.
A major global study has found that climate change is causing the collapse of these giant flows of ice. But, even if we were to curb emissions now, iconic glaciers from the Dolomites to Yosemite are still set to disappear due to the volume of greenhouse gases humans have released.
Limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels is the only way to save the remaining two-thirds of these vital structures, scientists say.
Early warning and disaster risk reduction must be designed and implemented. UNESCO is also advocating for an international fund for glacier monitoring and preservation to support comprehensive research and develop effective response measures.