Venezuela, once home to six glaciers spanning 1,000 square kilometers, now marks a solemn milestone in climate change history. It stands as the first country to witness the complete melting of all its glaciers in modern times. This catastrophic loss underscores the urgent need for global action to combat climate change.
Venezuela’s Glacial Disappearance: A Milestone in Climate Change
By 2011, five of Venezuela’s glaciers had already vanished, leaving only the Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, in the Sierra Nevada National Park. However, even this last stronghold of ice has diminished to the point where it no longer qualifies as a glacier but rather as an ice field. Professor Julio Cesar Centeno from the University of the Andes (ULA) laments, “In Venezuela, there are no more glaciers.” He highlights the drastic reduction, stating, “What we have is a piece of ice that is 0.4 percent of its original size.“
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The Shrinking of La Corona
Once spanning 4.5 square kilometers, La Corona has dwindled to less than 0.02 square kilometers. This significant reduction underscores the alarming rate of ice loss in the region. Research indicates a staggering 98 percent decline in glacial coverage between 1953 and 2019, with acceleration observed particularly after 1998.
In 1998, La Corona covered approximately 0.6 square kilometers, but by 2015, it was already on the brink of losing its glacier status. Recent expeditions reveal a rapid decline, with the glacier losing approximately two hectares between 2019 and 2023.
Failed Attempts at Preservation
In a desperate attempt to save the Humboldt glacier, the Venezuelan government resorted to covering it with a geotextile blanket in December. However, this effort not only failed but also raised concerns among conservationists. The use of such materials risks ecosystem contamination as the fabric degrades into microplastics over time.
Professor Centeno warns of the consequences, stating, “These microplastics are practically invisible, they end up in the soil and from there they go to crops, lagoons, into the air, so people will end up eating and breathing that.“
Reflections on a Tragic Loss
Venezuela’s journey from hosting cross-country skiing events in the 1950s to losing all its glaciers serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impacts of climate change. It underscores the need for immediate and concerted global efforts to mitigate its devastating effects. In conclusion, Venezuela’s plight stands as a cautionary tale, urging the world to take decisive action to preserve our planet’s precious natural resources for future generations.
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