The Aletsch Glacier melts: Students experience the transient splendor

The Aletsch Glacier melts: Students experience the transient splendor

The majestic views over the Aletsch Glacier, which is considered one of the most important glaciers in the Alps, are increasingly accompanied by concern and sadness. The impressive ice surfaces, which were once part of a grandiose natural scenery, disappear rapidly. Pupils and teachers are now researching the terrifying effects of global warming on this impressive ice landscape.

In a current tour at an altitude of 2,200 meters, a group of 15 pupils was led by its mountain guide Marcel Albrecht to the remains of the Aletschletscher. Despite the dense morning duty that restricted the view, the signs of the melting ice were already visible everywhere. Albrecht informed the group that the glacier loses length between 30 and 50 meters annually. This is in the context of an alarming statistics: All alpine glaciers together lost 400 million tons of ice in 2021 - a lot that would be enough to cover the entire Switzerland with a six -meter -high layer of ice.

The melting glacier and its effects

The Aletsch Glacier, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has now reached a length that almost corresponds to the distance between Winterthur and Zurich. However, due to the increasing temperatures and the associated decline in snowfall it becomes increasingly clear that this glacier, once a symbol of the eternal cold, is on the withdrawal. Albrecht calls this a "mismatch" because the rainfall is no longer sufficient to compensate for the lost ice surfaces.

In the middle of the glacier, where the melting water drips and penetrates in Tinier, Albrecht describes: "The equilibrium line is now 3,500 meters. Where it was earlier, it is hardly possible to specify." Change is not only dramatic, but also for the future of the glacier dark, because the area that creates ice cream has decreased considerably in recent years - now on a fifth.

experiences and perceptions

On the tour, the students felt the urgent reality of climate change up close. "One meter less within one month - that happens here in real time," said one of the students. Another emphasizes: "There is almost no snow up here. The fiest girder is also totally in the bucket." Their experiences were enriched by learning first -hand on the effects of climate change.

The discussions during the hike reflect awareness and concern about these changes in nature. Albrecht, who also leads the Jungfrau Hotel, summarizes: "Nothing can stop glacier death. We should have acted earlier." He explains that experiments, such as covering the ice with foils, are not very environmentally friendly and difficult to implement.

In addition to the studies on the dwindling ice cream, Albrecht leads the group over the Aletsch Glacier, where they not only perceive the endangered glacier, but also recognize the enormous potential of the educational experience. The earth science teacher Martin Edelmann talks about how the dramatic experience of melting the glacier creates a deeper connection to nature: "This is spectacular, an adventure. Although the glacier melts, we still see the sublime."

Albrecht agrees when he emphasizes that control over nature is an illusion. "Nature will adapt and takes everything back," he explains and describes how the flora spreads into the higher altitudes of the Alps, while the forests of climatic changes fall victim to.

Further information and detailed discussions are on www.bzbasel.ch read.