Read more at the BBC.

A comprehensive scientific analysis reveals that glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate due to climate change. These vital freshwater resources, which could raise sea levels by 32cm if completely melted, have already lost over 6,500 billion tonnes of ice since 2000, a 5% reduction.

• Glaciers melting faster than ever: Global glacier melt has accelerated significantly in recent decades due to climate change.
• Massive ice loss: Glaciers have lost over 6,500 billion tonnes of ice since 2000, equivalent to a 32cm sea-level rise if melted entirely.
• Accelerating melt rate: The rate of ice loss in the past decade is over a third higher than in the previous one (2000-2011).
• Comprehensive study: The research combines data from 230 regional estimates, increasing confidence in the findings.
• Glaciers as climate indicators: Glacier size reflects the balance between snowfall and melting, making them sensitive to temperature changes.
• Human impact: Burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of the warming that’s causing glacier melt.
• Analogy for scale: The annual ice loss is equivalent to the water consumption of the entire global population for 30 years.
• Regional variation: Some regions, like Central Europe, have experienced extreme ice loss (39% in 20 years).
• Future melt depends on emissions: The extent of future glacier loss depends heavily on how much further global temperatures rise. Meeting climate targets could save a significant portion of glacier ice.
• Consequences of glacier loss: Impacts include water shortages for millions relying on glacial meltwater and increased coastal flooding due to sea-level rise.
• Sea-level rise impact: Every centimeter of sea-level rise adds 2 million people to the risk of annual flooding. Global sea levels have already risen 20cm since 1900.