Switzerland's glaciers lost more than 5% of their ice in one year

In 2026 Switzerland's glaciers lost over 5% of their ice volume after a record-hot, snow-poor year. Average ice thickness dropped by 2.5–4 meters, and the Bella Tola and Griessfirn glaciers disappeared entirely. Nearly 20% of the country's remaining glacier volume has vanished in five years.

• Average glacier thickness fell 2.5–4 m, with some tongues losing up to 10 m
• The freezing level stayed above 4,000 m for 76 days, more than double the average
• About 2,200 billion liters of meltwater were released from July to September
• The Bella Tola and Griessfirn glaciers disappeared permanently