Melting glaciers force Switzerland and Italy to redraw part of Alpine border
Switzerland and Italy are modifying their border beneath the Matterhorn due to glacier melting, with Switzerland's treaty approval pending Italy's. Swiss glaciers lost 4% volume in 2023, impacting territorial boundaries.
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Switzerland and Italy have agreed to modify their border beneath the Matterhorn due to the significant melting of glaciers, which has altered the historically defined frontier. This decision follows a joint commission's agreement in May 2023, with Switzerland officially approving the treaty recently, while Italy's approval is still pending. The border changes affect areas around popular landmarks such as Testa Grigia and Plateau Rosa, influenced by economic interests and the retreat of glaciers, which are rapidly diminishing due to climate change. In 2023, Swiss glaciers experienced a 4% loss in volume, marking the second-largest annual decline on record. Experts have noted that some glaciers in Switzerland are no longer measurable due to their depletion. The Marmolada glacier in Italy, a significant indicator of climate change, is projected to melt completely by 2040. The ongoing climate crisis continues to reshape the Alpine landscape, prompting countries to reassess territorial boundaries based on changing natural features.
- Switzerland and Italy are redrawing their border due to melting glaciers.
- The Matterhorn area is significantly affected by these changes.
- Swiss glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, the second-largest decline recorded.
- The Marmolada glacier in Italy could completely melt by 2040.
- The border modifications are based on economic interests and climate impacts.
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1 commentsThat is far worse than I imagined it to be. Quite alarming.
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