Melting Glaciers, flooding Seas – what happens in the mountains?

Melting glaciers due to global warming have raised global sea levels by almost two centimeters in the last 23 years. They are the most important factor in sea level rise after ocean warming and ahead of the Greenland and Antarctic ice caps!

But what does glacier-water do before it flows into the sea? And how is the landscape changing up there? It creates a microclimate, and it’s water supplies livestock and fields. It is collected behind dams to harness it for energy production. And it is a driving force for the tourism industry. Glaciers play several roles before its water flows into the sea. In short, when the glaciers disappear, the Alps will be threatened by drought, erosion, and migration. This story shows what is at stake...