Venezuela Glaciers | Victims of Climate Change


Venezuela might be the first country to lose all its glaciers, with the Humboldt glacier disappearing faster than expected. Scientists thought it would last another decade, but it’s melting much quicker than predicted.

What are Glaciers?

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), glaciers typically form in areas where average annual temperatures are near the freezing point.This usually happens in high, cold areas like mountains. Snow from winter piles up and, because it's so cold, it doesn’t melt completely in the summer. Over time, this snow gets packed down into ice, forming a glacier

Why are Glaciers Disappearing?

Glaciers are disappearing mainly because of climate change.

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Since the Industrial Revolution, burning fossil fuels has released large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

  • Heat Trapping: These GHGs act like a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they allow sunlight to pass through, they prevent the heat from escaping back into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

  • Temperature Rise: The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880 due to skyrocketing emissions of GHGs in recent decades.

  • Consequences of Temperature Rise: This temperature rise has resulted in more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, droughts, and a rise in sea levels.

  • Accelerated Melting: Glaciers, like ice cubes left out on a warm day, are melting at accelerated rates due to the warmer temperatures caused by global warming.

  • Natural Climate Phenomena: Events like El Niño can make glacier melting worse by causing abnormal warming of surface waters, as seen with the Humboldt glacier in Venezuela.

Beyond Environmental Impact

For Venezuela, the loss of glaciers is not only an environmental crisis but also a cultural tragedy. Glaciers hold deep cultural significance, shaping regional identities and supporting activities like mountaineering and tourism. The disappearance of these icy landmarks affects more than just the environment; it profoundly impacts the way of life for local communities.

By- Naba Usmani

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