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Swiss Glaciers

State, projections and significance

The Swiss Alps are characterised by glaciers. Their retreat influences the landscape and tourism, harbours natural hazards, lowers the volume of water available in summer and even has an impact on the ocean. The extent to which the Alpine glaciers are retreating and whether they will eventually disappear depends on climate change and, consequently, global climate protection. The factsheet outlines the level of knowledge concerning glacial melting and its impact on society and, additionally, illustrates available options and courses of action.

Swiss Glaciers

Source: Huss M, Linsbauer A, Naegeli K (2025) Swiss Glaciers. State, projections and significance. Swiss Academies Factsheets 20 (2)

Categories

  • Glacier

Contact

Dr. Matthias Huss
ETH Zürich
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG)
Versuchsanstalt für Wasser, Hydrologie und Glaziologie (VAW)
Hönggerbergring 26
8093 Zürich
Switzerland


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