Glacial retreat in the Alps due to climate change can threaten local economies that rely on tourism and damage fragile alpine environments. As glaciers recede, ski resorts may lose their snow, forcing some to close by 2050 and impacting businesses. Developing new resorts in higher altitudes risks damaging natural habitats. Glacial melt also affects water supply, hydroelectric power, and can increase hazards like flooding.

1. What is the impact of climate change on Alpine communities? Glacial retreat can pose a threat to the economies of areas relying on tourism and result in damage to fragile environments. NT page 138-140

2. Triftgletscher in Switzerland until recently filled the entire basin seen here. Thinning of the tongue during the 1990s accelerated and as of 2001 a lake started to form in front of it. Rapid break-up of the snout is now underway Source