Alaska’s glaciers melting faster than anywhere else, driving global sea-level rise

A recent comprehensive study published in Nature has revealed alarming rates of glacier ice loss worldwide, with Alaska experiencing the most significant reduction in total ice volume. Between 2000 and 2023, global glaciers collectively lost approximately 6.542 trillion tonnes of ice, contributing to an 18mm rise in global sea levels. Alaska’s glaciers have been identified as major contributors to this loss, with the region experiencing one of the fastest rates of ice mass reduction globally.

While European glaciers, particularly those in the Alps and Pyrenees, have lost about 40% of their volume since 2000, their rate of decline highlights the vulnerability of glaciers in lower-altitude regions.

“The rapid ice loss in Central Europe is striking,” the study notes. “These glaciers may largely disappear within the next few decades if current trends continue.”

The accelerated melting of Alaska’s glaciers not only contributes significantly to rising sea levels but also poses immediate concerns for local ecosystems and communities. The influx of freshwater into marine environments can disrupt local fisheries, while the reduction in glacial mass affects freshwater availability for communities relying on glacial meltwater.

“Alaska alone accounted for nearly 25% of the total glacier mass loss globally,” the study state.

Researchers claim that the accelerating pace of glacier melting is a clear indicator of global climate change.

“We are observing a sustained and accelerating trend in ice loss,” the study concludes, adding that “even if emissions are drastically reduced, many glaciers are already committed to significant further melting.”