Italy and Switzerland We are in the process of Redefining part of their common border Due to the melting of glaciers, which, historically, marked the natural border between the two countries.
The area in question is Located in the alpine regionNearby is one of the most famous peaks of the region, the Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in Europe, and a major tourist destination. This modernization of the border was motivated by The effects of global warming, which accelerated the retreat of glaciers And significantly changed the mountain landscape.
Despite the fact that it is often considered that national borders are fixed, Many sections of the border between Italy and Switzerland are marked by natural features, such as glaciers and snowfields. However, the rapid melting of these formations forces the two countries to take steps to adapt their borders. In 2023, the two governments agreed on a border adjustment, Switzerland officially approved the changes, while Italy is doing the same.
What’s going on in the Alps?
The melting of glaciers in the Alps has been dramatic in recent years. According to Matthias Haas, glaciologist at ETH Zurich and director of glamus, the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network, Switzerland lost 4 % of the volume of its glaciers in 2023, a figure exceeded only by the loss record of 6% in 2022. This trend continues to affect Europe, the continent that is warming faster.
In addition to influencing the boundaries, The retreat of glaciers has led to concern about the safety of mountains and fresh water supplies, which is vital for local residents. The change in national borders is just one of the many effects that this phenomenon has on the environment and on people’s lives.
