Norway faces record glacier melt as climate crisis deepens
In 2024, Norwegian glaciers melted at an unprecedented rate. The ice thickness decreased by about 10 per cent within a year. This climate disaster affected glaciers located in the northern part of the country.
Sweden Herald warns that Norwegian glaciers in 2024 melted at the fastest rate since measurements began. The ice thickness decreased by about 10 per cent over the past year. The most affected glaciers are in the north of the country.
The Norwegian agency NVW, responsible for water management, published the latest data indicating an unprecedented pace of melting. The main reasons are low snowfall in winter and hot summers. Liss Andreassen, a glaciologist from NVE, emphasises that less snow and ice accumulate in winter than melts in summer.
The Engabreen glacier in the Nordland region lost approximately 83 metres in length in 2024, representing one-fifth of the total retreat since 2014. Similar changes affected Austre Okstindbreen and Steindalsbreen, which shortened by 80 and 75 metres respectively.
The situation in southern Norway is equally dramatic. The Nigardsbreen glacier, known for its picturesque views, retreated by around 42 metres, disappearing behind rocky slopes. Just a year ago, tourists could admire its majestic front from boats, but that is no longer possible.
Global consequences
The glacier Hardangerjøkulen, known from "Star Wars," is also melting. Since the beginning of the 21st century, its front has retreated by over 460 metres, and the ice thickness decreased by approximately 15 metres. Hallgeir Elvehoy from NVE notes that every Norwegian glacier has lost an average of 200 metres in length over the last decade.
UNESCO and WMO have declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with 21st March set to be celebrated as Glacier Day. Norwegian glaciers Breifonn and Juvfonne, which have disappeared from the Earth's surface, are already listed as climate disaster victims.
The problem of glacier melting is global. Climate change exacerbates the acceleration of the process. Last year, Swiss glaciers lost 4 per cent of their volume, and the year before, it was as much as 6 per cent. A similar problem is occurring in the Himalayas.
