ClimateGeneral NewsGlaciersLatin America Peru lost more than half of its glacier surface in just over half a century, scientists say by Ryan Lee November 23, 2023 written by Ryan Lee November 23, 2023 4 comments Bookmark 33 Over the span of six decades, Peru has witnessed the alarming disappearance of over half of its glacier area, with a stark decline in 175 glaciers between 2016 and 2020 due to climate change, according to findings shared by Peruvian researchers from the state-run glacier study agency on Wednesday. Mayra Mejía, an official with the National Institute of Research of Mountain Glaciers and Ecosystems in Peru (Inaigem), highlighted that 56.22% of the glacial area documented in 1962 has vanished in a period of 58 years. Jesús Gómez, the head of glacier research at Inaigem, emphasized to The Big Big News that the primary contributor to this rapid glacier retreat, particularly in tropical regions, is the rise in average global temperatures. Presently, Peru retains only 1,050 square kilometers (405 square miles) of glaciers, roughly 44% of the extent recorded in the initial glacier survey of 1962. Mayra Mejía, a glaciology specialist, pointed out that certain Peruvian mountain ranges, such as Chila, have nearly lost all their glaciers, with a 99% reduction since 1962. The significance of Chila lies in its role as the source of the initial waters of the Amazon River, the world’s most extensive and powerful river. Beatriz Fuentealva, the president of Inagem, warned about the heightened risk to lowland populations resulting from glacier loss. She recalled the 1970 catastrophe, when a massive ice segment from Huascarán in the northern Andes broke away post a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. This caused a devastating mudslide upon impacting a lagoon, leading to the obliteration of Yungay city and over 20,000 fatalities. For more detailed climate-related reporting, visit AP’s dedicated section at https://bigbignews.net/climate-and-environment. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peru Glacier LossHow much of Peru’s glacier surface has been lost in the last six decades?What is the primary cause of the accelerated glacier retreat in Peru?What is the current state of Peru’s glacial coverage?Which Peruvian mountain range has experienced the most significant glacier loss?What are the potential risks associated with the loss of glaciers in Peru?More about Peru Glacier Loss Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peru Glacier Loss How much of Peru’s glacier surface has been lost in the last six decades? Over half of Peru’s glacier surface has been lost in the past 60 years, with a significant decline in 175 glaciers between 2016 and 2020 due to climate change. What is the primary cause of the accelerated glacier retreat in Peru? The increase in the average global temperature is identified as the primary cause of the accelerated retreat of glaciers in Peru, particularly affecting tropical areas. What is the current state of Peru’s glacial coverage? As of the latest reports, Peru has only 1,050 square kilometers (405 square miles) of glacial coverage remaining, representing about 44% of what was documented in 1962. Which Peruvian mountain range has experienced the most significant glacier loss? The Chila mountain range in Peru has almost completely lost its glaciers, with a 99% reduction in glacial surface since 1962. What are the potential risks associated with the loss of glaciers in Peru? The loss of glaciers increases risks for those living in lowland areas, as exemplified by the 1970 tragedy when a large ice segment from Huascarán caused a mudslide, destroying Yungay city and resulting in over 20,000 deaths. More about Peru Glacier Loss Peru’s Glacier Decline Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers Glacial Retreat in Tropical Regions Chila Mountain Range and Glacial Loss Risks of Glacier Loss in Peru You Might Be Interested In Missouri high school teacher is put on leave after school officials discover her page on porn site Powerball Jackpot Rises to $1.55 Billion Amid Ongoing Lack of Winners 20-Year-Old Female Detained Over Drug Offense Related to Robert De Niro’s Grandson’s Death, States Official Resolution Reached at Minnesota Prison Following Inmate Refusal to Return to Cells Amid Heatwave U.S. Representative Boebert Removed from Denver Theater During ‘Beetlejuice’ Performance Hollywood’s Actors Union Board Ratifies Agreement, Ending Strike with Studio Producers Climate changeGeneral NewsGlacial RetreatglaciersLatin AmericaPeru Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ryan Lee Follow Author Ryan Lee is a technology journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the world of tech. He is passionate about new gadgets and software, and he enjoys testing and reviewing the latest products to hit the market. previous post More than 43,000 people went to the polls for a Louisiana election. A candidate won by 1 vote next post The Implications of Sam Altman’s Recent Leadership Changes at OpenAI for the Industry’s Future You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 4 comments MarkoP November 23, 2023 - 3:19 am I didnt realize that tropical glaciers are melting so fast, This is a huge wake up call, need to do something about global warming asap. Reply Sara K. November 23, 2023 - 7:36 am The Chila mountain range losing 99% of its glaciers, that’s just heartbreaking, what will happen to the Amazon river if this continues? Reply Tom R. November 23, 2023 - 10:38 pm the 1970 tragedy in Yungay was devastating, It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of glacier loss, we need to take this seriously. Reply Jenny M. November 24, 2023 - 12:10 am wow, its really scary to think about losing so many glaciers, climate change is really hitting hard, especially in places like Peru! Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
