Italy and Switzerland Change Border Due to Melting Snow

Ahhhh, another sign of global warming...the alpine glaciers between Switzerland and Italy are melting causing the two countries to reevaluate their mutual border. This border has been in place since 1861; however, the permanent snow cover and permafrost is melting, so the border is moving. According to the Independent:

Mr Mercalli says it is not only glaciers but other points of reference used in delimiting the border that have changed their position under the impact of global warming. "In places the conventional border fixed in 1861 followed water courses, and where glaciers have melted these may have changed significantly," he said.

The decision to redraw the border is a dramatic reminder of how seriously mountains are affected by climate change, he added. "The mountains are particularly sensitive to change. And they are also areas that teach us a lot: effects of climate change that you don't notice in the cities are vividly apparent in the mountains. Increased incidence of mud and rock slides, caused when soft ground previously covered by permafrost is exposed to rain, is only the most dramatic consequence."

The area around the infamous Matterhorn are affected.

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Posted by Jennifer Lance at March 26, 2009 1:39 AM