welt.de
Dolomites Glaciers Face Imminent Disappearance Due to Climate Change
A new study finds that the twelve remaining glaciers in the Dolomites, Italy, are all below the equilibrium line and shrinking rapidly due to climate change, with a 56 percent loss in area since the 1980s and predictions of complete disappearance within decades.
- What is the primary cause of the dramatic shrinkage of the Dolomites' glaciers, and what are the immediate consequences?
- A recent study reveals that the twelve remaining glaciers in the Dolomites, Italy, are all below the equilibrium line, meaning they no longer accumulate enough snow to replenish themselves. Since the 1980s, their total area has shrunk by 56 percent, from over four square kilometers to just under two. This loss is accelerating, with a third of the remaining area disappearing since 2010 alone.
- How has the methodology of this study improved the understanding of glacier decline in the Dolomites compared to previous research?
- The study, published in "The Cryosphere", utilized aerial photography and drone imagery to track glacier changes over several decades. The primary cause of this dramatic decline is attributed to rising temperatures due to climate change. This drastic shrinkage highlights the accelerating impacts of global warming on even high-altitude environments.
- What are the long-term implications of the complete disappearance of the Dolomites' glaciers for the regional environment and economy?
- The researchers predict the complete disappearance of the Dolomites' glaciers within a few decades. The Fradusta glacier, for instance, retains only 10 percent of its former size, illustrating the severity of the situation. This loss will have significant impacts on local ecosystems and water resources.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately establish the tone of irreversible loss. The use of phrases like "practically no rescue" and "no escape" emphasizes the negative aspect and minimizes any potential for even partial mitigation or adaptation. The article prioritizes the alarming rate of loss and the dire predictions, potentially overshadowing the scientific methodology and data analysis. The sequencing emphasizes the dramatic decline, making the scale of the problem immediately apparent before discussing the specifics of the study.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, presenting the scientific findings clearly. However, phrases like "practically no rescue," "no escape," and "drastically" evoke a strong emotional response. While these phrases accurately reflect the urgency of the situation, they could be replaced with more neutral alternatives to maintain a purely factual tone. For example, "minimal prospects for recovery" instead of "practically no rescue."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the loss of glaciers in the Dolomites and doesn't explore potential mitigation strategies or technological interventions that could be implemented to slow down the melting process. While acknowledging climate change as the primary cause, it omits discussion of any potential policy responses or international collaborations aimed at addressing climate change itself. This omission may limit the reader's understanding of the broader context and available solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a stark picture of inevitable glacier loss, implying a false dichotomy between certain disappearance and no action. It doesn't explore the possibility of slowing the rate of melting, even if complete preservation is unlikely. The focus on the inevitability of disappearance might discourage readers from considering that actions, even if not fully reversing the process, could still significantly impact the timeline and extent of the loss.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study shows a drastic reduction in glacier size in the Dolomites due to rising temperatures, directly impacting climate change and its effects on ecosystems. The loss of glaciers contributes to rising sea levels and disrupts delicate ecological balances. The quote "Es gibt kein Entkommen mehr. Sie werden innerhalb weniger Jahrzehnte verschwinden" highlights the urgency and severity of the situation, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of climate change.