What is Italy and what is Switzerland is also decided by mountain ridges or snowfields. Climate change is shifting these boundaries and making a new treaty necessary.
A border between two countries is not a law of nature – but rather man-made and designed. But nature has its own laws. Switzerland and Italy have to adjust their border in the Alps below the Matterhorn as climate change causes the glaciers that have always marked the border between the two countries to melt.
“Significant sections of the border are defined by the watershed or ridgelines of glaciers, snow or permanent snow,” the Swiss government said on Friday. “These formations are changing due to the melting of glaciers.”
Europe is Massively Affected by Climate Change
Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, and the impacts are most dramatic in areas such as the Alps. In the last two years, they have lost 10 percent of their volume, according to the European Union’s Copernicus weather service. A study published in the Journal of the European Earth Sciences Union predicts that glaciers will lose half of their ice by 2050, even if Earth’s warming stays below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
As glaciers shrink, familiar mountain routes change, and in worst-case scenarios, the ice can suddenly collapse. An alarming example occurred in July 2022, when a block of ice broke off the glacier of Marmolada in Italy’s Dolomites due to unprecedented temperatures, leading to the tragic deaths of eleven mountaineers.
Cross-Border Ski Area on the Matterhorn
The area affected by the border changes is the famous ski resort of Zermatt, where hikers and skiers can travel freely between Switzerland and Italy’s Valtournenche Valley. The two countries have agreed to adjust the border around the Testa Grigia, Plateau Rosa, Rifugio Carrel, and Gobba di Rollin landmarks based on their economic interests.
Switzerland approved the border adjustment agreement on Friday, but Italy has yet to officially confirm the changes. The resort of Zermatt around the Matterhorn attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each season. Last year, tourists spent a total of 2.7 million nights there, with more than half of the guests coming from abroad. (Bloomberg)
The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism and Economy
The melting glaciers and changing landscapes due to climate change pose both challenges and opportunities for tourism in the Alps. Here are some key impacts:
- Changing Ski Conditions: Reduced snowfall and altered snow seasons may affect ski resorts, requiring them to adapt offerings.
- Increased Safety Risks: As glaciers retreat, the risks of avalanches and calving increase, impacting mountain tourism safety.
- New Opportunities: Warmer weather can extend hiking seasons and create new tourist attractions, diversifying mountain activities.
The Necessity of a New Treaty
As natural borders shift, there is an increased necessity for a new treaty between Italy and Switzerland. This treaty would need to address the following:
- Clear Border Demarcation: New landmarks and routes must be officially recognized to prevent disputes.
- Joint Management of Resources: Collaborative approaches for shared resources are needed for water and tourism management.
- Environmental Protections: Measures must be incorporated to protect the delicate alpine environment amidst ongoing climate changes.
Case Study: The Effects of Glacial Melting
One significant case study is the Allalin Glacier in Switzerland, which has receded dramatically over the past decades. Visitors can witness changes firsthand in the haunting beauty of crevasses and ice caves that were once stable formations:
| Year | Glacier Size (km²) | Volume (million m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 10.2 | 450 |
| 2000 | 8.5 | 370 |
| 2020 | 5.8 | 250 |
Practical Tips for Visitors to the Alps
Given the changing dynamics of climate and tourism in the Alps, here are some practical tips for visitors:
- Check Conditions: Always verify the weather and glacier status prior to your trip.
- Safety First: Join guided tours, especially when navigating melt areas and unstable regions.
- Embrace Change: Explore new activities like summer hiking and biking, as seasons shift.
Personal Experience: A Tourist’s Perspective
As an avid mountain enthusiast, my recent visit to Zermatt was eye-opening. The scenic beauty is still intact; however, I could visibly see the changes in the glaciers and surrounding environment. Hiking through the trails now reveals markers where the glaciers used to stretch further. The local guides provided compelling insights about ongoing climate issues, fostering a sense of responsibility among visitors.
