Report on the Rhone Glacier and Climate Change Impact in Switzerland

Introduction

The Rhone Glacier in Switzerland, a critical freshwater source and natural landmark, is experiencing accelerated melting due to global warming. This report highlights the ongoing scientific monitoring efforts, the implications for sustainable development, and the urgent need for climate action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Scientific Monitoring and Glacier Protection Efforts

Geoscientists, including Matthias Huss from the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), are actively monitoring the Rhone Glacier to assess its retreat caused by rising temperatures. Innovative measures, such as covering the glacier with giant protective sheets, are being employed to slow the melting process.

Significance of Swiss Glaciers

• Switzerland is home to approximately 1,400 glaciers, vital for:
• Providing drinking water (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)
• Supporting irrigation for agriculture, including French wine regions (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
• Generating hydropower, which supplies most of Switzerland’s electricity (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
• The number of glaciers is declining, with up to 1,000 small glaciers lost and larger glaciers increasingly at risk.

Observations and Findings

1. Glaciers are melting not only from the surface but also from the base, due to air circulation channels creating large holes beneath the ice.
2. The Rhone Glacier exhibits cracks and grooves, with new phenomena such as subsurface holes causing ice collapses.
3. Glaciers serve as clear indicators of climate change, effectively communicating its impacts to the public (SDG 13: Climate Action).

Climate Change and Future Risks

• The Alps, once covered in ice 20,000 years ago, are rapidly losing their glaciers.
• Experts warn that two-thirds of the world’s glaciers may disappear by the end of this century without significant intervention.
• Human action to reduce CO₂ emissions is critical to slowing glacier retreat and mitigating climate change impacts.

Case Study: Birch Glacier Landslide

In May, the village of Blatten near the Birch Glacier was largely destroyed by a landslide of rock and glacier ice. Key points include:

• The Birch Glacier was advancing at an unsustainable rate of approximately 10 meters per day before the collapse.
• The landslide was triggered by rock accumulation on the glacier, highlighting unexpected risks associated with glacier dynamics.
• This event underscores the need for preparedness and adaptive strategies to manage climate-related hazards (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Conclusion and Call to Action

Protecting glaciers like the Rhone Glacier is essential for sustaining water resources, agriculture, and clean energy production in Switzerland and beyond. The scientific community emphasizes:

1. The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally to preserve glaciers (SDG 13: Climate Action).
2. Individual and collective contributions to emission reductions as a long-term solution.
3. Increased preparedness for unexpected climate-related events to safeguard communities.

Glaciers remain powerful ambassadors for climate change awareness, reminding society of the critical importance of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses on glacier melting due to global warming, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Glaciers like the Rhone Glacier provide drinking water and irrigation, linking the issue to water availability and management.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Hydropower generated from glacier-fed rivers is a major source of electricity in Switzerland, connecting glacier health to sustainable energy production.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article discusses the environmental impact of glacier retreat on alpine ecosystems and the risks of landslides, emphasizing ecosystem preservation.

2. Specific Targets Identified Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – implied by the call for CO2 emission reductions and glacier monitoring.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning – reflected in glacier monitoring and public awareness.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable water withdrawals and supply – related to glacier-fed water resources for drinking and irrigation.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – hydropower from glacier-fed rivers contributes to this.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services – relevant to glacier ecosystems and landslide risk management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Glacier Monitoring Indicators
   • Measurement of glacier retreat and ice loss using stakes, poles, and augers to track melting from the top and base.
   • Observation of new phenomena such as holes beneath glacier surfaces and rates of glacier advance or retreat (e.g., Birch Glacier advancing 10 meters per day).
2. Climate Indicators
   • CO2 emission levels as a measure of climate action effectiveness.
3. Water Resource Indicators
   • Availability of drinking water and irrigation supply linked to glacier-fed rivers.
4. Energy Indicators
   • Proportion of electricity generated from hydropower derived from glacier-fed sources.
5. Disaster Risk Indicators
   • Frequency and impact of landslides and glacier-related disasters, such as the destruction of the village of Blatten.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abcnews.go.com