Swiss glaciers suffer “disastrous” ice loss

Swiss glaciers have endured a near-record loss of ice in 2026 following a summer of intense heatwaves, raising concerns about future water supplies for agriculture, hydropower and transport

2026
2015

CHANGE IN ICE VOLUME (%)
Relative to previous year, 1950-2026

-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2

1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020

2022
-5.9%

Some glaciers, including Rhône Glacier, have experienced greatest melt on record in 2026. Pictures above show glacier’s retreat between Jul 2015 and Aug 2026

Scientists estimate Swiss glaciers released 2.2 trillion litres of meltwater between July and September – more than four times annual drinking water used by all Swiss households

2026: 5.5% of Switzerland’s remaining glacier ice lost in first eight months – just shy of 2022 record. Total ice loss since 2021: 19.4%

Source: Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS)
Pictures: Getty Images
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