Glaciers in New Zealand are continuously shrinking, facing the risk of disappearing

NIWA's survey team leader said the ice is melting faster and faster in recent years, causing New Zealand to face a continuous trend of ice loss.

New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) on March 25 released a report showing that glaciers in this country are "continuing to shrink" and are at risk of disappearing due to prolonged ice loss.

 Glaciers are an important part of New Zealand's environment, economy and culture. (Source: NIWA).

NIWA has conducted surveys on glacier conditions at the end of summer every year since the 1970s.

NIWA survey team leader - scientist Andrew Lorrey - said the above research shows how New Zealand's beautiful landscape is changing.

Ice is melting faster and faster in recent years, causing New Zealand to face a continuous trend of ice loss.

According to Mr. Lorrey, the cause of this phenomenon is due to rising global temperatures . Up to eight of the 10 warmest years in New Zealand's history (from the start of statistics) were in the past decade.

2023 is the second warmest year on record - a trend consistent with the rest of the world, where 86% of the Earth had above-average temperatures this year.

Mr Lorrey said: 'Even if we get a few more cooler seasons, it won't be enough to undo the damage that has been done.'

Glaciers are an important part of New Zealand's environment, economy and culture. Glaciers are an important source of water for people, helping to maintain habitats and providing nutrients to lakes, rivers and oceans.

According to Mr. Lorrey, glaciers also provide water for hydroelectric lakes, impact existing renewable energy sources and contribute millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy through tourism.

New Zealand is one of the few mid-latitude places where people live near glaciers. When visiting New Zealand, everyone can easily observe the glaciers.

However, this is becoming more and more difficult, tour groups increasingly have to go deeper into the mountains to reach the glacier.