The tragedy that killed at least six people on Sunday took place in a privileged environment endangered by global warming
Tragedy hit Italy this weekend when part of the Marmolada Glacier, in the Alps, broke off. At least six people have died and another 17 are being sought after an avalanche of snow, ice and rocks falling from the glacier reached a rope of climbers trying to reach the summit.
La Marmolada is the largest glacier in the Dolomites mountain range, located between the regions of Trento and Veneto, very famous among lovers of climbing, skiing and cycling. This massif consists of a series of peaks. The highest are Punta Penia (3,343 m), Punta Rocca (3,309 m), Punta Ombretta (3,230 m), Monte Serauta (3,069 m) and Pizzo Serauta (3,035 m). La Marmolada is the last major glacier left in the mountain range. The tragedy took place near Punta Rocca.
According to Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), the Marmolada Glacier is estimated to disappear within 25 or 30 years. According to a study coordinated by the Institute of Marine Sciences of the CNR, the glacier has lost 30% of its volume and 22% of its extension between 2004 and 2015. The governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, identified the cause of the global warming tragedy. “The temperature record for climate change has been reached in the Marmolada,” he said on Twitter. Last Saturday a record temperature of 10 degrees was reached at the top.
The situation is worrying, especially considering that this mountain range is a common destination for enthusiasts of various sports and attracts thousands of visitors. For example skiing. La Marmolada is part of the Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski area in the world with over 1,200 km of slopes. It also offers very good trails for cross-country skiing and other disciplines such as snowboarding, snowshoeing…
It is also a privileged destination for climbing. The characteristic white rock towers of the Dolomites rise into the sky like strange rock formations. The area of the Val Gardena Dolomites is famous, one of the most beautiful sport climbing areas in the world.
However, if the Marmolada is famous for anything, it’s for the stage of the Giro d’Italia. It is not called the ‘cemetery of champions’ for nothing. Without going further, in the last edition of the Italian race, La Marmolada, penultimate stage, erected as executioner. Australian Jai Hindley took the pink jersey from Carapaz in this tough climb and left the Giro as a penalty. The victory in that stage went to Alessandro Covi.
Source: La Verdad
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