Swiss Glaciers Lose More Than 5% of Ice After Record Heatwave

Swiss glaciers lost more than 5% of their ice in 2026, one of their worst years on record, according to monitoring groups. A winter with little snow followed by record summer temperatures caused enormous melting across the Alps. Switzerland’s largest glacier, the Aletsch, recorded its greatest annual loss, while Glacier de Tsanfleuron lost more than four meters of average thickness. Scientists estimate the melt released 2.2 trillion liters of water, highlighting both temporary supplies and long-term risks for Europe overall.