Biggest loss of glacial mass on record
The largest recorded decrease in glacial mass has occurred in the past six years, with an estimated 450 gigatons of ice lost in 2024 alone
CHANGES IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS
Warmer climate
More extreme rainfall
Decreased ice surface albedo (reflection)
Forest fire soot and pollution
Decreased vegetation
Decreased snow cover duration
Permafrost thaw
River flow
Earlier spring flow, reduced flow in summer
Erosion
Sediment loads affect water resources

9,000 gigatons lost since 1975 – equivalent to 25m thick Germany-sized block of ice

ANNUAL CHANGE IN GLACIAL MASS
(1,000 kg/m3)
0.25
0
0.5
1.0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Average loss per decade

Freshwater reserves
275,000 remaining glaciers, plus Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, make up majority
68.7%
Groundwater 30.1%
Surface water 1.2%

Each 1mm of sea level rise exposes 300,000 people to annual flooding
Since 2000, global sea level has risen by 18mm
10,000 people

Picture: Getty Images
Sources: UN, Reuters
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