Unfortunately, we missed the chance for a better scenario several years ago.
But hey – have a consolation prize.
A little chocolate to sweeten your naivety?
Take a look at a more realistic level.
Oh – you still believe in a perfect world?
Did you really think there was a better scenario?
You dreamer, you.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time.
The past is gone for good.
Can’t handle reality?
It’s okay – we’ve got something to help you.
Switzerland still has – for now – around 1,400 glaciers.
During the hot summers and snow-poor winters of 2022 and 2023, glaciers lost one tenth of their ice within just two years. Over the past 100 years, they have lost more than 60% overall.
This concerns more than mountaineers and ski tourers. Glaciers are an important water resource, particularly in mountain regions such as the Upper Valais or the Grimsel area. Even ships on the Rhine near Basel are effectively sailing on glacier water, which can account for up to 20% of river discharge during prolonged heatwaves.
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The glacier contribution to summer runoff is temporarily disproportionately high. We are, in effect, receiving an advance payment. continue to Water Balance
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Winter snowfall allows glaciers to compensate for summer ice losses – but only if sufficient snow actually falls. back to Drought
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The hotter it gets, the faster glaciers melt. back to Heat
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Hydropower plants currently benefit from additional meltwater. continue to Energy Production
The warmer the temperatures, the faster glaciers melt. Initially, more water becomes available. From mid-century onward, however, glacier meltwater will begin to decline again. As soon as global warming approaches the 2°C threshold, only the Aletsch and Rhone glaciers are expected to remain.
Glaciers do not always melt quietly: when ice loses stability and collapses, glacier calving and debris flows can occur, threatening roads and settlements.
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From mid-century onward, glacier contribution to total runoff may decline by up to half. continue to Water Balance
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Glaciers are losing massive volumes because sufficient winter snowfall is becoming increasingly rare, while glacier melt in summer accelerates. back to Drought
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Extreme heatwaves can trigger not only intensified melting but also glacier calving and glacier collapse, further reducing glacier area. back to Heat
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Loose debris from areas of glacier retreat accumulates in hydropower reservoirs, reducing water storage capacity in the reservoirs and thereby limiting electricity production. continue to Energy Production
Many small to medium-sized glaciers have already vanished. Even the Aletsch and Rhone glaciers are reduced to remnants.
Where vast ice masses once dominated, new glacier forefields are emerging – slowly colonised by plants and animals. The now ice-free valleys, with their dark rock surfaces, absorb more solar radiation than the once-reflective ice, further amplifying warming.
At the same time, glaciers are lost as natural water reservoirs.
The picture-postcard version of Switzerland is history.
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By the end of the century, glacier melt will contribute little to runoff. Rivers in the Swiss Plateau have more irregular water levels. continue to Water Balance
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Glaciers melt rapidly and no longer recover at all in winter. Smaller and medium-sized glaciers disappear completely. back to Drought
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During heatwaves, glaciers lose volume at an unprecedented rate – irreversibly. back to Heat
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New reservoirs and hydropower plants could emerge in areas of glacier retreat. This costs not only money, but also landscape. continue to Energy Production
That's it. RIP.
That's a bit too much.
Maybe go down a level?
Got it – you're really into extremes.
Game over.
Try a different level.
That extreme? You’ll find the matching soundtrack here.
We’re done with this planet.
On to the next!
Solutionsfor: Glacier Retreat
Glaciers and their changes can be monitored precisely via an App. Four-week forecasts for the glacier mass balance in Switzerland will soon also be available.
But to be realistic: glacier melt can no longer be stopped.