September 17th, 2024

New Zealand's glaciers on the brink of extinction, NIWA warns

NIWA estimates a staggering loss of at least 13 trillion litres of water from New Zealand's glaciers since the late 1970s, equivalent to nearly five decades of basic household water use nationwide.

NIWA estimates a staggering loss of at least 13 trillion litres of water from New Zealand's glaciers since the late 1970s
NIWA estimates a staggering loss of at least 13 trillion litres of water from New Zealand's glaciers since the late 1970s

A stark warning has been issued by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) last week following over four decades of research indicating a grim future for New Zealand's iconic glaciers due to rising temperatures.

A critical situation:

NIWA's Dr Andrew Lorrey highlights, in a NIWA media release last week, hotter temperatures as the main culprit for the glaciers' dire state. Decades of harsh summers and marine heatwaves have led to significant ice loss, with aerial surveys of the Southern Alps' snowline since the late 1970s revealing a consistent retreat.

Innovative research and historical evidence:

  • Technological Advances: Dr Lorrey said that a pioneering 3D model, developed by Dr Lauren Vargo and Associate Professor Brian Anderson from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, which illustrates the drastic changes in glacier volume over the years.

  • Historical Insights: Collaboration with landscape art historian Dr George Hook has provided a unique perspective on glacier retreat, using 19th-century paintings by John Gully to compare past and present ice conditions, showcasing significant ice loss since the mid-1800s.

Alarming findings:

NIWA estimates a staggering loss of at least 13 trillion litres of water from New Zealand's glaciers since the late 1970s, equivalent to nearly five decades of basic household water use nationwide.

Global significance and local efforts:

  • Brewster Glacier Study: The University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington have conducted long-term observations at Brewster Glacier, with Professor Nicolas Cullen noting its role as a global benchmark for understanding Southern Hemisphere glacier responses to climate change.

  • Mt Ruapehu's Decline: Dr Shaun Eaves from Victoria University of Wellington reports similar patterns of rapid glacier shrinkage at Mt Ruapehu, with small glaciers on the verge of extinction.

Despite the bleak outlook, Dr Lorrey stresses the importance of immediate action to mitigate further damage. The collaborative efforts of scientists across New Zealand underscore the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and curb global warming, ensuring that future generations may still experience the natural beauty of the country's glaciers.

The message is clear:

The time to act is now, as the fate of New Zealand's glaciers hangs in the balance, serving as a poignant reminder of the broader impacts of climate change.