The glaciers in Austria have retreated by an average of eleven meters in 2020/21. The Venice Group and the glaciers in the Zillertal are particularly affected. These melted on average 22.7 meters (Venediger Group) and 15.5 meters (Zillertal Glacier). To counter this development, the Austrian Alpine Association is advocating a more active climate policy.
In addition, the ice masses decreased, including at the Schlatenkees, the Pasterze, the Untersulzbachkees and the Great Gosaugletscher. This continues the picture of the past five years, said Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer, head of the glacier measurement service of the Austrian Alpine Association (ÖAV): “It is very clear that the negative trend is continuing. The glaciers are not doing well.”
Less contraction than previous years
However, the shrinkage of the glacier was not as great as in previous years. That depends on the weather conditions, according to Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer and his colleague Gerhard Lieb. In terms of temperatures, midsummer was almost normal. “As a winter month, May still brought a lot of snow to the glaciers. There were several weather events at 3000 meters above sea level,” says Lieb. The snow has protected the glaciers for a relatively long time.
Measures against climate change
“Glaciers are the visible sign of climate change,” said ÖAV Vice-President Ingrid Hayek. To counteract the current development, the Alpine Club is calling on people and politicians to change their own behavior or take measures against climate change. Only unused energy is good energy.
Overcome for Renunciation
For example, politicians could offer the climate card cheaper or for free instead of increasing the commuting allowance. In addition, each individual can limit himself. However, according to Hayek, renunciation requires an effort, not maintaining the previous lifestyle. Just switching from a diesel car to an electric car is not enough.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
