2025 heatwaves shrink Swiss glaciers by 3%, fourth-biggest annual loss
What's the story
Switzerland's glaciers have witnessed a massive 3% reduction in their overall volume this year, the fourth-largest annual decline on record. The drastic change is attributed to global warming and climate change. The report was published by GLAMOS, the Swiss glacier monitoring group, and the Swiss Academy of Sciences. "Glacial melting in Switzerland was once again enormous in 2025," the scientists said. The report also highlights that Switzerland's ice mass has decreased by a staggering one-quarter over the last decade.
Climate impact
Heatwaves and little snow contributed to glacier loss
The report noted that a winter with little snow and heatwaves in June and August contributed to the 3% loss of glacier volume. Switzerland, which has nearly 1,400 glaciers—the most in Europe—has seen more than 1,000 small glaciers disappear already. This gradual melting of ice mass has implications for hydropower, tourism, farming, and water resources across many European countries.
Geological changes
Glacial retreat also affects landscape
The report also emphasized that the retreat and loss of glaciers are affecting Switzerland's landscape, causing mountains to shift and ground to become unstable. Swiss authorities are on high alert for such changes after a massive rock-and-ice mass from a glacier thundered down a mountainside in May, covering nearly all of the southern village of Blatten.