A study in Nature revealed that glaciers worldwide are shrinking more rapidly due to climate change. Researchers analyzed data from 233 studies and found that glaciers lost about 255 billion tons of ice yearly from 2000 to 2011. This figure rose to 346 billion tons per year in the following decade. In 2023, ice loss reached 604 billion tons, the highest recorded decline. The study showed that glaciers in Alaska lost the most ice, averaging 67 billion tons annually, while those in Central Europe saw the greatest percentage drop, losing 39% of their ice since 2000. Scientists linked these losses to higher summer temperatures and changing snowfall, raising concerns about water supplies and environmental balance.

The research emphasized that rising global temperatures from greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause. Melting glaciers significantly contribute to sea level rise, even more than ice loss from Greenland or Antarctica. In some places, such as the western United States, glacial melt has temporarily increased freshwater supply. However, experts warned that continued ice loss will lead to water shortages, harming agriculture, energy production, and ecosystems. Scientists believe improved satellite technology and climate models will enhance predictions and support global efforts to slow glacier retreat.