Steve Christo – Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images
Illustrative photo. Observation binoculars towards the east and north faces of the Matterhorn from Zermatt, on August 16, 2024 in Zermatt, Switzerland.
CLIMATE – If we knew until now that global warming endangers island territories with rising water levels, it now appears that the phenomenon is also redrawing land borders. Thus, Italy and Switzerland are preparing to conclude a treaty aimed at modifying their common border… Because of the melting of the Alpine glaciers.
“Significant sections of the border are defined by watersheds or the crest lines of glaciers, firn or eternal snow”explained the Swiss government in a press release published this Friday, September 27. “These formations are changing due to melting glaciers”he continued.
The region is in fact particularly concerned by global warming. First, Europe is warming about twice as fast as the rest of the planet. But worse still, the Alps are warming 1.5 times faster than the rest of France according to Météo France. This results in a significant retreat of glaciers (-70% since 1850), but also in the formation of lakes and the collapse of certain rocks.
For example, in July 2022, an immense block of ice broke away from the Marmolada glacier, the highest peak in the Italian Alps, taking 11 mountaineers with it. The glacier had been weakened in the long term by global warming, and the incident occurred the day after exceptionally high temperatures.
Faced with this reality, Switzerland and Italy have chosen to adjust their common border in order to maintain a clear and precise demarcation. The border will therefore be modified throughout the area of the famous ski resort of Zermatt. The many skiers who frequent it in winter and hikers in summer are used to passing between Switzerland and the Italian valley of Valtournenche according to their itineraries.
Several points of their landmarks will now be adapted, such as the Tête Grise, the Plateau Rosa, the Carrel cabin and the Dos de Rollin. If Switzerland approved the border adjustment treaty on Friday, Italy must still officially sign it for the changes to apply.
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