Are most glaciers growing?

The vast majority of glaciers have continued to shrink worldwide.

To maintain stability, snowfall must equal ice loss from processes like surface melt, wind erosion, and avalanches.

In most of the world, glaciers are shrinking due to warming and snowfall changes. By 1990, glaciers worldwide had lost 7% to 28% of their 1901 mass.

Glacier research dates back to the 1890s, while specific “reference glaciers” have been continuously tracked since 1950. 2010-2019 saw the highest loss since observations began. 2023 was the 36th year in a row that reference glaciers lost, rather than gained, ice.

A few have grown where precipitation exceeds melt, attributable to unusual weather due to climate change. However, studies indicate other glaciers that once exhibited growth succumbing to warming; another 2023 paper suggested the weakening stability of presently-growing glaciers.

Glaciers provide freshwater vital to entire ecosystems—their loss would spell serious consequences for humanity and nature.