Venezuela becomes first Andean country to run out of glaciers

17-05-24

Venezuela has reached a sad and alarming milestone in the context of climate change, becoming the first country in the Andes to lose all its glaciers. This phenomenon has centred on the Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, which used to extend over 4.5 square kilometres but has shrunk drastically to just 0.02 square kilometres. This significant reduction has led experts to reclassify it from ‘glacier’ to ‘ice field’, marking the end of an era for the Venezuelan Andean landscape.

Glaciers are not only impressive natural formations that attract tourists from all over the world, as in the case of the Glacier National Park in Argentina, but they also play a crucial role in the global ecosystem. They act as freshwater reserves, regulate the flow of rivers, and have a significant impact on the local and global climate. The disappearance of these glaciers entails a number of environmental consequences, including the alteration of hydrological cycles and the loss of unique habitats.

The case of the Humboldt Glacier

The Humboldt glacier, located in the Venezuelan Andes, has been a visible symbol of the impact of climate change in the region. Maximiliano Herrera, a leading scientist quoted in the Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional, has warned that this trend is not unique to Venezuela. Other countries, such as Slovenia, Indonesia and Mexico, are also at risk of losing their glaciers due to global warming.

The loss of glaciers in Venezuela and other parts of the world underlines the urgency of taking effective action against climate change. These events are caused by rising global temperatures, resulting from the increase in greenhouse gases. The disappearance of glaciers could lead to more frequent natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, affecting both local communities and biodiversity.

The scientific community and environmental organisations have been warning about these dangers for years, emphasising the need to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices. The situation in Venezuela could serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the world, urging immediate and coordinated climate action.

The disappearance of the Humboldt glacier in Venezuela is not just a geographic and tourism loss, but indicative of a much broader global problem. Acting now to mitigate the effects of climate change is essential to preserve what remains of these important ecosystems and to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.