Iceland Holds Funeral For Glacier Lost to Climate Change

Over a century ago, Iceland’s Okjökull Glacier covered an area of 15 square miles. Today, it covers less than half a square mile and will likely be completely gone in just a few seasons. In the past 100 years, the glacier melted away slowly, with causes directly attributed to climate change.

On Sunday, a symbolic funeral was held for Okjökull, commemorating the fact that it is the first Icelandic glacier to completely melt away. As part of the ceremony, a plaque was put in place with a chilling message to future generations:

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“Ok is the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier. In the next 200 years, all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path. This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.

August 2019, 415ppm CO2”

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Max Ritter
Max Ritter
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I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.
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