Shocking Discovery: Nearly All Glaciers in Western Canada Are on the Brink of Disappearing, Say Researchers

Climate change is drastically affecting glaciers in Western Canada and the U.S., with alarming predictions for the future. A recent study highlights that even if global warming stops today, nearly 75% of the glaciers in southern British Columbia will still vanish. This loss could rise to 98% if global temperatures increase by 2.7 degrees Celsius by the year 2100.

The Earth has already warmed by about 1.2 degrees Celsius. As Harry Zekollari, the study’s lead author, points out, the long-term outlook for these glaciers is grim. He emphasizes that a significant amount of warming has already committed us to losing 40% of year-round ice by the century’s end.

Western Canada’s glaciers, particularly in British Columbia, are more vulnerable due to their geographic limits. Glaciers there cannot simply move higher up the mountains as temperatures rise. Zekollari notes that they will remain “relics of the past” unless we take action soon.

Lilian Schuster, a co-author of the study, revealed that while most glacier mass is doomed, there’s still a glimmer of hope under ambitious climate efforts. Saving even a little of that ice could help many people—globally, almost two million people rely on glaciers for their water needs, from drinking to farming.

Statistics show that Canada has over 200,000 square kilometers of glacial ice, making it the most glacierized country. However, the pace of glacier loss is alarming. Between 1985 and 2020, over 1,100 glaciers in B.C. and Alberta disappeared, and this trend is accelerating.

As these glaciers melt, they can drastically alter landscapes, leading to landslides and floods. An example is an outburst flood in B.C.’s Coast Mountains in 2020, which was partly triggered by melting glaciers destabilizing a mountain slope.

Experts like glaciologist Brian Menounos reinforce these findings. He notes that the study aligns with past research and points out that significant glacier loss is imminent in Western Canada. The glaciers in southern B.C. are seeing rapid melting as rain replaces snow in winter months, affecting water supply in the region.

B.C.’s hydroelectric power is also on the line. BC Hydro, the province’s utility provider, relies on glacial runoff, which currently accounts for approximately 3% of its water source. With climate change altering precipitation patterns, predictions indicate more floods in winter but drier conditions in summer, complicating water management.

Tourism, heavily reliant on these glacial landscapes, faces challenges as well. Doug Washer, a tour operator in Whistler, notes that ice formations once popular with tourists are now becoming “chunks of Swiss cheese.” His team has observed alarming ice loss—about 26 feet over the past 40 years—which threatens both their business and the broader environment.

As these glaciers continue to melt, adaptive measures will be essential. Some countries are exploring innovative solutions like constructing reservoirs to collect glacier meltwater or covering them with protective tarps. For B.C., many experts believe First Nations should be part of crafting these solutions, emphasizing localized and informed responses.

It’s clear that the melting glaciers demand urgent attention. Without proactive efforts, the impacts on ecosystems, communities, and economies could be significant. Grasping these challenges and working collectively is crucial for a sustainable future.

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