First Global Glacier Day: WWF Calls for Comprehensive Protection

On the occasion of the inaugural International Glacier Day on March 21, the WWF Austria is urging for a complete protective framework for glaciers across the country. The organization highlights the urgent need for political action, stating that due to severe climate changes, glaciers in the region could virtually disappear within a few decades. Experts from WWF are calling for preventive measures to safeguard the climate and halt the establishment of new glacier ski resorts.

Current examples of concerning developments can be seen in the Kaunertal and Pitztal valleys. In the Kaunertal, plans are underway for the highest construction project in Austria on the untouched Gepatschferner glacier. Meanwhile, in Pitztal, following the cancellation of the massive "Pitztal-Ötztal" project, the potential development of glacier areas surrounding the Linker Fernerkogel is back on the table. These projects threaten to turn the two largest glaciers in Tyrol into expensive construction sites, requiring ongoing maintenance to ensure skiing operations as the ice continues to melt.

WWF experts stress that the regional government should proactively reject such proposals and restore absolute glacier protection. Instead of further development, they recommend integrating these unique natural environments into the surrounding Ötztal Alps reserve. As alpine open spaces increasingly serve as refuges for rare animal and plant species, they emphasize that when lower altitudes become too warm due to climate change, nature will need time and space to adapt and migrate to higher elevations. Thus, the long-term preservation of these untouched natural areas is essential.

Moreover, glaciers are crucial for scientific research, particularly in studying climate change trends. This is one of the reasons the United Nations designated 2025 as the Year of Glacier Protection.

A recent report from the Alpine Club highlights the current dire state of Austrian glaciers, revealing that in the measurement season of 2023/24, glaciers receded by approximately 24 meters, marking one of the highest rates in recent years. Without a significant turnaround and a fundamental shift in the approaches of both policymakers and the ski industry, experts warn that conditions will continue to deteriorate.

Additionally, the decline of glaciers is the focus of the film "REQUIEM IN WEISS" by Austrian filmmaker Harry Putz, which is set to premiere in Innsbruck on March 21. This film, supported by WWF Austria, aims to raise awareness about the urgent issues facing glaciers.