"Icelandic glaciers have decreased by 19% in area"
The fourth summary report of the scientific committee on climate change was published on October 18th.
The report discusses the extent and consequences of global climate change and its impact on Iceland. The preface of the report states that it confirms that changes in the natural environment and living conditions of people in this country are caused by climate change. This has resulted in growing challenges for the economy, society, and nature. It is necessary to reduce emissions as quickly as possible and adapt society to the changes that come with it, coping with the strain.
The report suggests that changes in weather and natural conditions on land and sea can be expected by the end of the century, unprecedented since the settlement of Iceland.
"Icelandic glaciers have decreased by 19% in area since the time of their greatest expansion in the late 19th century. However, their decline has slowed since 2010. Some glaciers have completely disappeared, leading to the expansion of marginal lagoons and the formation of new ones. The future of the country's glaciers is highly dependent on the development of climate and sea temperatures around the country. Calculations based on climate change models indicate that, if the Paris Agreement is adhered to, their decline will still be about 40-50%. Glacier decline will be greater if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced in line with the Paris Agreement," the report states."
After Ice
Here, you can view the image 'After Ice' by Kieran Baxter, showing the changes that have occurred on the glaciers in recent decades.