Two countries are changing borders due to melting glaciers

In the past, much of the border between Switzerland and Italy was defined by ridges of glaciers and layers of eternal snow. However, due to climate change, the natural barrier dividing these two countries has begun to change and shift. This resulted, among other things, in a dispute over the territory of the Matterhorn peak.

Therefore, the authorities in Zurich and Rome decided to sign a document redefining the existing border. The changes will cover the areas around one of the highest mountains in Europe.

The first agreement on establishing a new border between Switzerland and Italy was concluded in 2023. Last Friday, the government in Zurich signed the final document, which is now awaiting acceptance by Rome.

The changes will include areas near the landmarks Testa Grigia, Plateau Rosa, Rifugio Carrel and Gobba di Rollin near the Matterhorn. According to the American Bloomberg agency, the correction also affected the famous Zermatt ski resort.

The changes introduced are dictated not only by economic interests, but are also intended to help determine responsibility for the maintenance of specific natural areas.

Data from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS), which monitors 176 of the 1,400 glaciers in this country, show that in 2023 their area has decreased by four percent. This is almost the same as in the worst year in this respect, 2022, when the area of ​​glaciers decreased by six percent.

According to experts, this process will accelerate in the coming years. Research has stopped on some glaciers due to lack of ice.

In turn, Italian researchers forecast that the symbol of the Dolomites – the Marmolada glacier – may completely melt by 2040 as a result of rising average temperatures.