Swiss Glaciers Lost 5.5% of Ice in 2026
Swiss glaciers lost 5.5% of their ice in 2026. This was the second-largest yearly drop ever recorded.
The report came from GLAMOS and the Swiss Academy of Sciences. It was published Thursday.
Glaciers are disappearing at a record pace. Still this year's loss did not break the annual record.
Heat waves and low winter snow caused the loss. From July to September Switzerland lost 2.2 trillion liters of ice.
That is about four times the country's yearly water use. The losses threaten water supplies, ecosystems and communities across Europe.
Scientists say rapid melting is no longer surprising. This is because of the pace of climate change.
Klear Note — Glaciers are long-lasting bodies of ice formed from layers of snow. They store freshwater that can feed rivers and water supplies.