The Cilo Mountains, located in southeastern Türkiye, are home to glaciers that have stood for thousands of years. However, these glaciers are melting quickly due to global warming. The glaciers, which once covered the mountain peaks at an altitude of 4,135 meters, have shrunk by more than half in just the past 30 years. Scientists warn that, if nothing is done, these glaciers could be gone in just 20 years.
Loss of Glacier Mass: 55% Gone in 30 Years
Professor Faruk Alaeddinoğlu from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University has studied the glaciers in the Cilo Mountains. He reports that the depth of the glaciers has decreased significantly over the last few decades. In some areas, the ice was once 200 meters thick. Now, it is less than 50 meters thick. This ice is also no longer solid. Cracks and water channels are appearing in the glaciers. These changes are happening because of the extreme temperature differences at high altitudes, which speed up the melting process. Alaeddinoğlu warns that without urgent protection, the glaciers could disappear completely within 20 years.
Tourism Putting Pressure on the Glaciers
In 2020, the Cilo Mountains were made a national park. This decision attracted many tourists, especially hikers, to the area. While tourism brings benefits, it also creates problems. The biggest issue is that many tourists walk on the glaciers. Scientists say that walking on the glaciers causes more damage to the ice.
Professor Alaeddinoğlu believes that the area should be closed off to tourists to protect the glaciers. He suggests covering the glaciers to stop further harm. Visitors should be able to enjoy the beauty of the glaciers from a safe distance. This would help reduce the impact of human activity on the fragile ice.
A Global Crisis: Glaciers Are Disappearing Around the World
The situation in the Cilo Mountains is part of a bigger global problem. Glaciers all over the world are melting due to climate change. Since 1975, glaciers have lost 9,000 billion tonnes of ice. This is enough to cover an area the size of Germany with a 25-meter-thick ice sheet. The melting glaciers are causing many problems, including rising sea levels, flooding, and water shortages.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recorded that the years 2022 to 2024 saw the most glacier loss ever. This is a sign of the severe effects of global warming. The loss of glaciers is causing many regions to face water shortages, as people depend on meltwater for drinking, farming, and electricity.
The Impact of Glacier Loss: Water Shortages and Flooding
Glaciers are important for many communities because they act as natural water reservoirs. They slowly release water into rivers during the warmer months. As glaciers disappear, these communities will face a lack of water. In addition, when glaciers melt too quickly, they can cause flooding. This happens because the water from the glaciers is released too fast, overwhelming rivers and causing floods.
Countries around the world are already experiencing these issues. For example, in the Himalayas and the Andes, the rapid melting of glaciers has led to more frequent and severe flooding. This shows that glacier loss is not just a local problem but a global crisis that requires urgent action.
Why We Must Act: Saving Glaciers for Future Generations
The WMO has made it clear that saving glaciers is no longer a choice—it is a necessity for survival. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said, “Preserving glaciers is no longer optional. It’s a matter of survival.” The loss of glaciers will affect the environment, but it will also hurt millions of people who rely on glaciers for water.
The situation in the Cilo Mountains is a reminder of how climate change is affecting the planet. As the glaciers melt, the world must work together to protect them. The Cilo Mountains’ glaciers may soon be gone unless immediate action is taken. This includes limiting tourism, reducing carbon emissions, and working to slow down global warming.
In Türkiye, scientists and environmentalists are calling for better protection of the Cilo Mountains. They say that urgent measures are needed to save the glaciers before it is too late. If action is not taken soon, the Cilo Mountains could lose a precious piece of its natural heritage.
The rapid melting of glaciers is a warning to all of us. It shows how quickly the planet is changing and how important it is to take care of our environment. The Cilo Mountains are just one example of the damage caused by global warming. If we do not act now, we may lose many more glaciers and the vital water resources they provide.