Why Svalbard’s Glaciers Are Melting Faster Than Ever
Svalbard’s glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, with 91% shrinking since 1985. Over 800 km² of ice—larger than New York City—has vanished.
This Arctic region is warming seven times faster than the global average, making it highly vulnerable to climate change.
Svalbard’s glaciers sustain ocean ecosystems by releasing nutrient-rich water, but their rapid retreat disrupts this delicate balance.
2016 saw the most significant glacier retreat due to extreme weather, record rainfall, and unusually warm seas. Glacier calving became alarmingly frequent.
AI-powered analysis of decades of satellite data revealed seasonal glacier shrinkage, where glaciers retreat in warm months and partially recover in cooler ones.
Rising ocean temperatures accelerate glacier melt, contributing to faster ice loss and global sea-level rise.
If temperatures continue to climb, the retreat of Svalbard’s glaciers will intensify, posing a dire threat to coastal populations worldwide.