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[INTERNATIONAL] · Italy · 17 sources

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Alpine glaciers face inevitable loss, warns climatologist Luca Mercalli

Climatologist Luca Mercalli has warned that the loss of Alpine glaciers is inevitable, noting that they are currently losing approximately 3% of their mass annually. These glaciers serve as critical emergency water reservoirs that provide essential flow during periods of heat and drought.

During recent severe drought conditions, the Dora Baltea was the only river in the entire Po basin to remain at full capacity, largely due to the water supplied by glacial melt. This meltwater is vital for sustaining high-quality Italian agricultural production, such as rice cultivation.

To mitigate the impact of this loss, Mercalli suggests implementing strategic water management, including the construction of reservoirs and the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques to prevent the Alps from reaching a state similar to the ice-free Apennines.

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Alps · Dora Baltea · Italy · Luca Mercalli · Po River Basin

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