A Peruvian government survey warns of one of the consequences of climate change in the country. In the past six decades, global warming has caused the melting of 56% of tropical glaciers located in Peru’s territory. According to experts, this may cause serious problems for residents in the future, such as floods and water shortages.
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Significant reduction in glaciers
- The Peruvian government report was prepared using satellite images taken up to 2020.
- According to research, 2,084 glaciers cover an area of 1,050 square kilometers in Peru today.
- But in 1962, there were 2,399 square kilometers of ice and snow.
- The information is from Brazil Agency.
Flood risks and water shortages
Peru has 68% of the world’s tropical glaciers. Rising temperatures have led to the melting of ice and the formation of new mountain lakes.
According to the study, 164 of these lakes were formed or are in the process of being formed during the past four years, bringing the number of glacial lakes to 8,466. In total, they cover about 1,081 square kilometers.
The problem is that the lakes are at risk of overflowing and causing flooding, warns the National Institute for Glacier and Mountain Ecosystem Research.
It is possible that in the future the new lakes will serve as water reserves, but being at high altitudes creates a risk of inundation and inundation.
Jesus Gomez, director of glacier research at the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment
The report highlights that almost all of Peru’s tropical glaciers are more than 6,000 meters above sea level, while the new lakes are located at an altitude of between 4,000 and 5,000 metres. About 20 million Peruvians benefit directly or indirectly from the water that descends from glaciers in Peruvian lands. This means that the country has lost more than half of its water reserves.
