UN Warns of Irreversible Glacial Damage and Sea Level Rise
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
Two United Nation reports warned that global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius will cause irreversible consequences for Earth’s glaciers, sea ice, and frozen surfaces. The reports noted that 20% of Switzerland’s glacial mass has already been lost. Global warming has reached 1.37 degrees compared with pre-industrial levels, and the 1.5-degree threshold could be exceeded by around 2030, according to the European Copernicus network.
From swissinfo.ch
Why it matters
The consequences of exceeding the 1.5-degree threshold include melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and accelerated sea level rise. These changes increase the risk of flooding, economic and ecological damage, and water shortages in mountainous areas.
From swissinfo.ch
Who's involved
- United NationsPublished reports warning of irreversible climate impacts
- SwitzerlandIs experiencing significant loss of glacial mass
- Paris AgreementIs the international agreement whose targets are relevant to the warnings
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- SwitzerlandSpeculative
Might face increased costs for mountain infrastructure and tourism due to glacial melt.
- AlpiqSpeculative
May face increased costs or reduced capacity for hydropower generation due to glacial melt.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Swiss glacial loss challenges global climate targetsSwiss glacial loss challenges global climate targetsLikely
- Swiss glacial loss heightens UNEP's focus on climate urgencyUNEP must address irreversible damage as Swiss glaciers lose 20% of massLikely
- Swiss glacial melt may force policy changes for Albert RöstiSwiss glacial melt may force policy changes for Albert RöstiPossible
- Glacial melt could increase flooding and economic risk across EuropeAccelerated glacial melt could increase flooding and economic risk across EuropePossible
- Glacial mass loss in Switzerland may alter Rhine river flowGlacial mass loss in Switzerland may alter Rhine river flowPossible
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The entities involved
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Paris Agreement
international agreement from 12 December 2015 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020
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Switzerland
country in Central Europe
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Earth
third planet from the Sun in the Solar System