Glacier protection in danger: Tyrol threatens to expand the ice landscapes!

Glacier protection in danger: Tyrol threatens to expand the ice landscapes!

Kaunertal, Österreich - The nature conservation organization WWF Austria raises the alarm: In view of drastic climate changes, there could hardly be any glaciers in the Alps in a few decades. The glaciers in the Tyrolean Kaunertal and in the Pitztal are particularly affected, where planned projects threaten the protection of these unique natural spaces. WWF expert Ann-Kristin Winkler demands a complete glacier protection and an immediate rethink in politics. "Comprehensive protective measures have to be taken and new glacier ski areas have to be stopped," she emphasizes, while in Kaunertal the highest development of Austria on the untouched blanker threatens.

In the Pitztal, the construction of the glacier areas around the left Fernerkogel is also up for debate after the controversial mega project "Pitztal-Ötztal" has failed. These projects would make the melting glaciers of Tyrol's expensive and permanent construction sites, since constant maintenance measures would be necessary to ensure skiing. According to Winkler, an “absolute glacier protection” must be enforced by the state government in order to preserve nature and important retreat areas for rare species.

an appeal for sustainable handling

The WWF recommends integrating the glaciers into the surrounding retirement area “Ötztaler Alpen”. These alpine freedom are crucial for plants and animals that have to dodge according to higher areas due to the climate crisis. In addition, the glaciers are of great importance for research, especially for the examination of climate change. As part of these efforts, the United Nations declared 2025 to the year of glacier protection. Without a radical rethinking of politics and cable car management, the situation will intensify, warns Winkler.

More information on this topic can be found at wwf.at and Ökonews.at .