page66
66
Dr. Gino Casassa Rogazinski
Glaciologist
Centro de Investigación
Gaia Antártica
Universidad de Magallanes
Co-Nobel de la Paz
Abstract
The impact of global warming on snow and glaciers is described, with emphasis
on Chile. Due to warming, the altitude of the zero ˚C isotherm has increased,
affecting snow and skiing areas in central Chile. The megadrought since 2010
has decreased precipitation in much of Chile, affecting snow accumulation.
Chilean glaciers, which make up approximately 80% of all Andean glaciers, are
retreating and losing mass due to rising temperatures and drought.
The importance of snow and glaciers as sources of water is highlighted, with an
emphasis on the need of adaptation in view of the loss of these natural
reservoirs. Even if the Paris Agreement is met in order to reduce emissions and
achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, future impacts will be inevitable. The recent
agreement to reduce fossil fuels reached during COP28 is a positive step, and
concrete global actions must be taken in order to reverse the warming trend
“
Majestic is the white
mountain
”