The Marmolada Glacier is shrinking at an alarming pace. Compared to last year, its surface area has dropped by 9 hectares, shrinking to 83 hectares down from 92 last year, and falling far short of the 100 hectares recorded in 2023. These figures stem from the eighth participatory glaciological campaign on the Marmolada, promoted by the Museum of Geography at the University of Padua alongside ARPAV, the Italian Glaciological Committee, and volunteer researchers.
"The 2026 campaign has provided updated data crucial for monitoring what remains of the Dolomites' primary glacier and better understanding local climate impacts," campaign organizers noted. This year's findings exacerbate decades of steady decline, setting a bleak new record for surface loss. Experts warn that if consecutive summers continue to match the intensity of the one just passed, the glacier may have barely a decade of life left.