elpais.com
Mexican Glaciers Near Extinction Due to Climate Change
Mexican glaciers, once 18, are now reduced to three due to climate change; the Ayoloco glacier on Iztaccíhuatl was declared extinct in 2018, highlighting a significant loss of ice cover since the 1920s and the vulnerability of high-altitude ecosystems.
- What factors, beyond climate change, might contribute to the observed changes in the Mexican glaciers?
- The shrinking glaciers, once 18 in the mid-19th century, are now reduced to three, highlighting the impact of climate change on even high-altitude environments. The remaining glaciers on Iztaccíhuatl, though below the equilibrium line, persist due to their location within the volcano's crater.
- What are the long-term implications of the loss of these glaciers for the region's water resources and ecosystems?
- The loss of Mexican glaciers signifies a broader trend of glacial retreat globally. The unique location of these glaciers at 20º North latitude makes their decline particularly significant, as they were the only ones in this latitudinal band. The ongoing monitoring and research, exemplified by the UNAM's work, are crucial for understanding future impacts and informing conservation strategies.
- What is the most significant impact of the observed glacial retreat in Mexico, and what are the immediate consequences?
- Three photographs illustrate the dramatic retreat of Mexican glaciers. From the 1920s to 2018, the Iztaccíhuatl volcano's snow cover diminished drastically, losing up to 50 meters of thickness. In 2018, the Ayoloco glacier was declared extinct.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the article is largely neutral and informative. While it highlights the alarming rate of glacier retreat, it does so using factual data and expert testimony. The use of historical photographs effectively conveys the drastic changes, but this visual approach is not inherently biased. The focus on the scientific data and expert opinions contributes to a balanced presentation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the shrinking glaciers in Mexico, providing a compelling narrative through photographic evidence and expert quotes. However, it omits discussion of potential contributing factors beyond climate change, such as human activity (e.g., pollution, deforestation) or natural variations in weather patterns. While the article's scope is limited to the visual impact and expert analysis, including broader contributing factors would enhance the understanding of this complex issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article documents the drastic shrinking and extinction of glaciers on Mexican volcanoes due to climate change. This directly reflects the negative impact of climate change on water resources and ecosystems, aligning with SDG 13 targets to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.