Affecting global sea-level rise,mass loss from Arctic glaciers has implications far beyond their geographical location and is relevant for related geosciences, as well as ecological and biosciences and the general public.

Combining in situ observations, remote sensing, and modeling, the scientists quantify the mass loss of all glaciers on Svalbard during the record-warm summer of 2024, that by far exceeds previous levels. Analyzing historic temperature records and projections of future climate, the scientists find that temperaturelevels as in 2024 represent a raresituation for contemporary climate conditions but will be frequently reached in a few decades. The scientists suggest that the summer of 2024 in Svalbard serves as an analogue for the widespread meltdown of Arctic glaciers in a warmer world. The results are published in the article ‘Svalbard’s 2024 record summer: An early view of Arctic glaciermeltdown?‘.

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2025 Year of Glaciers’ Preservation