The accelerated melting of glaciers in the Alps, caused by climate change, has forced Switzerland and Italy to modify part of their border. The affected area is located in the vicinity of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the highest mountains in Europe and a popular destination for skiers.
According to the criteria of
Displacement of natural borders
Traditionally, the border between both countries in this region has been defined by the crests of glaciers and snow accumulations. However, with the retreat of the glaciers, the natural delimitations have begun to change, which generated the need to rectify the territorial limits.
In May 2023, a joint Swiss-Italian commission drew up a preliminary agreement to adjust the borders. Switzerland officially approved the new route in September, but Italy has yet to ratify it.
The volume loss of the glaciers has been significant. According to data published in September last year, Swiss glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, a figure only surpassed by the record 6% recorded in 2022. These alarming losses are linked to two consecutive unusually warm summers and declining amount of snow accumulated during the winter of 2022.
The annual report of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (Glamos) warns that if these conditions continue, the melting process could be aggravatedfurther putting at risk the geographical characteristics that mark the natural borders between the two countries.
Economic and ecological impact
The new border agreement has been designed taking into account the economic interests of both nations, according to Switzerland. Specifying the new divisions is crucial to defining responsibilities for the maintenance of key natural areas, such as ski resorts and ecological reserves.
The areas where the most notable changes will occur include the Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge and Gobba di Rollin, high mountain areas that are already suffering the consequences of glacial retreat.
The border adjustment between Switzerland and Italy is just one of many signs of how climate change is altering not only the natural environment, but also political and economic borders. If measures are not taken to stop global warming, phenomena like this could become more common, forcing more countries to redesign their territories and their environmental policies.
O Globe – GDA
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on information from O Globo and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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