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Italy: The Planpincieux glacier, victim of the effects of global warming

The Planpincieux Glacier, located on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif in the Valle d'Aosta region, melted at the rate of 35 to 50 cm per day due to the heat of August and September. According to climate experts, it could collapse if the temperature continues to rise. What are the short-term risks for the Valle d'Aosta region? Lighting.

From our correspondent in Rome,

For the moment, there is no risk for the population and tourists. Security measures were taken by the authorities of the alpine resort of Courmayeur, located in a valley parallel to that of the Planpincieux glacier. North of Courmayeur, the Val Ferret access road was closed. An alternative route has just been developed. And this temperate glacier, that is to say, influenced by the temperature of the water flowing below, is now monitored 24 hours a day by scientists equipped with radars to control its movements.

So far, one-sixth of the Planpincieux has broken off in small fragments at the lower end. That said, if the melt still reaches peaks of 50 to 60 cm, as happened last summer, with temperatures above 20 °, the glacier could come off as a single block, equivalent to 250,000 cubic meters of ice. " But without falling on Courmayeur, " says climatologist Massimiliano Fazzini, met in Rome.

• The melting of this glacier in the Italian Alps is therefore closely linked to global warming. Did the experts analyze the potential impacts on sectors such as agriculture?

Yes, because in the space of 15 years, the semi-tropical heat, which comes from the plains of the Po, has already increased by two degrees. While on the side of the French Alps, it increased by less than one degree during the same period. Which means that in about twenty years, the Planpincieux glacier could disappear. And so, good quality fresh water will be lacking for agriculture in Valle d'Aosta, but also in Alto Adige, two small regions with tourist vocation and famous for their vineyards or for the cultivation of traditional fruit varieties, including excellent apples. In general, sustainable development is threatened.

What should be done in Italy to better understand the deleterious effects of climate change ?

According to climatologists at the bedside of the Alps glaciers, it would be necessary that the government adopts as soon as possible the draft national plan of civil protection which will allow to watch the most dangerous situations, like the hydrogeological degradation. And there should also be an environmental education for children, from kindergarten. If glaciers melt, which is a natural phenomenon, water will be lacking. So, it is necessary to learn to adapt to this problem and to understand, from an early age, that water resources must not be spoiled.

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