Norwegian glaciers melt at record pace in climate warning
In 2024, Norwegian glaciers melted at a record pace, with ice thickness decreasing by as much as 10 percent within the year. This climate disaster primarily affected glaciers in the northern part of the country.
6:17 PM EST, November 28, 2024
Sweden Herald reports that Norwegian glaciers in 2024 melted at the fastest rate since measurements began. In just the past 12 months, ice thickness decreased by as much as 10 percent. The glaciers in the northern regions were the most affected.
The Norwegian agency NVE, responsible for water management, published the latest data indicating an unprecedented pace of melting. The main reasons are low snowfall in winter and hot summers. Liss Andreassen, a glaciologist from NVE, emphasizes that less snow and ice accumulate in winter than melt in the summer.
The Engabreen glacier in the Nordland region lost as much as 272 feet in length in 2024, which represents one-fifth of its total retreat since 2014. Similar changes occurred with Austre Okstindbreen and Steindalsbreen, which shortened by 262 and 246 feet, respectively.
The situation in southern Norway is equally dramatic. The Nigardsbreen glacier, known for its picturesque views, retreated by 138 feet, disappearing behind rocky slopes. Just a year ago, tourists could admire its majestic front from boats, but that is no longer possible.
Global consequences
The glacier Hardangerjøkulen, known from "Star Wars," is also melting. Since the beginning of the 21st century, its front has retreated by over 1,509 feet, and ice thickness decreased by 49 feet. Hallgeir Elvehoy from NVE notes that every Norwegian glacier has lost an average of 656 feet in length over the last decade.
UNESCO and the WMO have declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21 celebrated as Glacier Day. Norwegian glaciers Breifonn and Juvfonne, which have disappeared from the Earth's surface, are already listed as climate disaster victims.
The problem of glacier melting is global, as climate change accelerates the process. Last year, Swiss glaciers lost 4 percent of their volume. The previous year, it was as much as 6 percent. Similar issues occur in the Himalayas.
