Global warming: melting of 51% of Peru's glaciers in 50 years

Global warming has caused 51% of the surface of Peru's glaciers to melt over the past 50 years, which has resulted in the formation of new lakes, the National Water Authority (ANA) announced on Sunday. The ANA report, which covers the period 1948-2019, reveals that new lakes formed in connection with the retreat of the glaciers have been identified.

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“Glaciers are ecosystems very sensitive to climate change. In recent decades, the effects have been more evident, resulting in a notable decrease in the mass of glaciers and the formation of new lakes, ” according to the ANA. Peru has more than 8000 mountain lakes. The Pastoruri glacier, 5200 meters long, located in the Ancash region and one of the tourist jewels of the Huascarán National Park, is the most affected with more than 50% of its melted area due to climate change. "Between 1980 and 2019, it receded more than 650 meters, forming a new lake in contact with the glacier and which continues to grow", according to the report. The Uruashraju and Yanamarey glaciers, also located in the Ancash region, retreated an average of one kilometer between 1948 and 2019.

Peru has a total of 2,679 glaciers representing approximately 2,000 square kilometers. At the national level, the ANA monitors 13 glaciers located in the center and the south of the country. Peru has the largest tropical mountain range and 71% of the world's tropical glaciers, as well as 27 of the world's 32 climates, according to the ANA.