Peru, which is home to a whopping 68% of the world's tropical glaciers, is experiencing a dramatic decline in its icy formations. According to a report by the National Institute for the Study of Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems (Inaigem), the South American country has lost half of its glacial mass in six decades. The regions of Ancash and Cusco, which account for about 42% and 32% of Peru's glacial area respectively, are particularly affected.
The effects of this melting glaciers are diverse and alarming. In Cusco, an important agricultural centre, the loss of water due to the retreat of the glaciers is already clearly felt. Rivers such as the Vilcanota, which are vital for both agricultural irrigation and hydroelectric power, are experiencing a reduction in water supply. In the dry season, when rainfall decreases, meltwater from the glaciers is a vital source, but this is now rapidly drying up.
Risks are also increasing in Ancash, another region with significant glacier loss. The formation of glacial lakes resulting from glacier melting is a potential danger. The floods caused by the overflow of these lakes threaten the surrounding communities and can cause significant damage. In addition, glacier loss affects water quality, especially in areas where acidic rocks are exposed, causing chemical reactions that endanger drinking water supplies.Current developments highlight the urgent need to mitigate climate change and protect natural resources. Strategies to adapt to climate change and to sustainably use remaining water resources are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of glacier retreat on the environment and society.
