Climate Change and Glacier Loss in Ecuador
In recent decades, Ecuador has lost 50% of its glacier cover due to climate change. This phenomenon, driven by global warming, is having an alarming impact on the country's water security. One worrying case is that of the Carihuairazo volcano, which in 2025 will completely lose its ice cap, marking a tragic milestone in Ecuador's environmental history.
According to Mercy Borbor, Ph.D., researcher at the International Pacific Center for Disaster Risk Reduction at ESPOL, “the increase in global temperatures, which have already exceeded 1.5 °C, is causing severe impacts on glaciers and the hydrology of the high basins of the Andes”. This melting not only affects nearby communities, but also the watersheds that feed regions such as Guayas, Esmeraldas and the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Consequences of Glacier Melt
The disappearance of glaciers not only implies the visual loss of snow-capped mountains. Its effects include:
- Drastic reduction of fresh water sources.
- Alterations in moorland ecosystems.
- Increased risk of flash floods due to the instability of glacial water bodies.
Strategies to Mitigate the Impact
Faced with this scenario, Dr. Borbor emphasizes the need to adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as:
- Promotion of renewable energies.
- Constant monitoring of glaciers and water basins.
- Conservation of high mountain ecosystems.
- Paramo protection programs.
“Greater visibility of the problem and the implementation of policies to reduce atmospheric pollution are essential,” he adds.
Commitment of the FIMCM-ESPOL
FIMCM-ESPOL is committed to researching and disseminating knowledge about the impact of climate change in Ecuador. The solution to this crisis requires the collaboration of governments, communities, scientists and society in general to implement concrete actions to stop the deterioration of these vital ecosystems.
The loss of glaciers is not only an environmental problem, but a direct threat to water security.
