Venezuela first country to loose all its glaciers

Source-This post on Venezuela first country to loose all its glaciers has been created based on the article “Going glacier gone: How Venezuela lost its last glacier, why this matters” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

Venezuela has become the first country in modern history to loose all its glaciers. Scientists have reclassified the Humboldt glacier, which was Venezuela’s last remaining glacier, as an ice field rather than a glacier.

About Glacier

1)  Glaciers are large, thick masses of ice formed from accumulated snow over centuries. They are typically found in areas where mean annual temperatures are near freezing.

2) They develop from significant snow accumulations that do not fully melt. They flow slowly like rivers due to gravity.

3) According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the common size threshold to be classified as a glacier is about 10 hectares

Reason behind disappearance of Glacier

1) Global Warming: The primary cause of glacier melt is global warming. It increases temperatures and leads to ice melting.

2) Human Impact: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have increased greenhouse gas emissions. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global temperature rises.

3) Recent Trends: Notable temperature increases in regions like the Andes have been documented, with rates up to 0.10 degrees Celsius per decade over the last seventy years. Events like El Niño also exacerbate warming, leading to more rapid glacier melting.

Impacts of Glacier Loss

1) Water Resources: Glaciers are vital sources of freshwater, especially during dry periods. Their loss means increased dependence on unpredictable rainfall for water.

2) Ecological Impact: Melting glaciers affect downstream water temperatures, which is crucial for aquatic species that require colder water to survive.

3) Sea Level Rise: Melting of glaciers contribute substantially to global sea level rise.

4) Cultural and Economic Effects: In places like Venezuela, glaciers form part of the cultural identity and are important for tourism and mountaineering. Losing them can have significant cultural and economic impacts.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment