Switzerland and Italy have redrawn part of their border in the Alps as glaciers melt due to climate change.
Part of the affected area is below the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest mountains, close to many popular ski resorts.
Large parts of the border between Switzerland and Italy are defined by glacial ridges, but melting ice caused the natural borders to change, causing both countries to attempt a “correction”.
This is an agreement drawn up by a joint Swiss-Italian committee in May 2023.
Switzerland officially approved the change agreement on Friday, but Italy has not yet followed suit as the process is ongoing.
Figures published last September showed that Switzerland’s glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, the second largest loss ever after record melting of 6% in 2022.
An annual report issued annually by the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (Glamos) attributed the record losses to consecutive very hot summers and very low snowfall in the winter of 2022. Researchers say that if these weather patterns continue, melting of glaciers will accelerate.
According to financial interests
On Friday, Switzerland said the redrawn borders were shaped according to the economic interests of both sides.
The clarification of borders will help both countries determine who is responsible for maintaining specific natural areas.
The border between Switzerland and Italy will change in the area of Plateau Rosa, Refugio Carrel and Gobba di Rollin – all close to the Matterhorn and popular ski resorts like Zermatt.
The exact border changes that will be implemented and the agreement will be published once it is signed by both countries.
naftemporiki.gr
