Africa could run out of glaciers this century

Africa is home to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, such as those on Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to climate change and reduced precipitation and may vanish completely by the middle of this century, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, was conducted by a team of researchers from Germany, New Zealand, the US, and Austria. They used satellite images and historical data to monitor the changes in the ice fields of Africa over the past two decades. They found that the glaciers have shrunk by more than 50% since the 2000s, and projected that they will disappear by 2050 if the current trends continue.

How many glaciers disappeared in Africa till now?

The study focused on the three main glacier regions in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya in Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These are the only places in Africa where glaciers still exist, and they cover a combined area of about 10 square kilometres.

According to the study, Mount Kilimanjaro has the largest ice field in Africa, with an area of about 5.5 square kilometres. However, it has lost about 85% of its ice cover since the first measurements were made in the late 19th century. The study estimated that the ice field will be gone by 2033.

Mount Kenya has the second-largest ice field in Africa, with an area of about 3 square kilometres. It has lost about 92% of its ice cover since the early 20th century. The study predicted that the ice field will disappear by 2040.

The Rwenzori Mountains have the smallest ice field in Africa, with an area of about 1.5 square kilometres. It has lost about 95% of its ice cover since the late 19th century. The study projected that the ice field will vanish by 2045.

How many glaciers are left in Africa?

The study reported that there are only 11 glaciers left in Africa, distributed among the three glacier regions. The glaciers are in a critical state of decline, as they are exposed to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation.

The study noted that the glaciers in Africa are located in the tropics, near the equator, which makes them more sensitive to climatic variations. Study also pointed out that the glaciers in Africa are not affected by global warming as much as by the regional changes in precipitation, which have been declining since the end of the 19th century.

The study explained that the glaciers in Africa depend on the snowfall that occurs at high altitudes, which replenishes the ice mass. However, the rainfall in the glacier regions has reduced by about 25% since the late 19th century, which has decreased the snow accumulation and increased the ice exposure to the sun and the wind.

What are impacts of glacier loss?

The loss of the glaciers in Africa significantly impacts the environment, the wildlife, and the people. The glaciers are important sources of water for the rivers and lakes that sustain the ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. The glaciers also regulate the climate and the weather by reflecting solar radiation and cooling the air.

The study warned that the disappearance of the glaciers will reduce the water availability and the hydroelectric power generation in the region. It will also increase the risk of droughts, floods, landslides, and wildfires. It will affect the region's biodiversity and tourism, as the glaciers are home to many unique species and attract many visitors.

The study urged the governments and the communities in the region to take urgent actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and to adapt to the changing conditions. It also called for more research and monitoring of the glaciers to improve the understanding and awareness of their status and their role in the region.

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