Venezuela Becomes First Country to Lose All Its Glaciers Amid Climate Crisis
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Venezuela loses all its glaciers, marking a significant environmental milestone. |
| Glacier Name | Humboldt glacier reclassified as an ice field. |
| Historical Context | Venezuela once had six glaciers; five disappeared by 2011. |
| Location | Andes mountains, approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. |
| Size of Humboldt Glacier | Now reduced to less than 2 hectares. |
| Definition of Glacier | Glaciers are massive accumulations of ice formed over centuries, typically requiring a minimum size of around 10 hectares. |
| Cause of Glacier Loss | Global warming driven by greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities. |
| Ecological Impact | Glaciers serve as freshwater reservoirs, regulate downstream temperatures, and support local ecosystems. |
| Societal Impact | Loss of glaciers affects cultural identity, mountaineering, and tourism. |
| Global Implication | Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels. |
| Call to Action | Urgent need for climate action to curb GHG emissions and invest in renewable energy. |