Glaciers in the European Alps will reach their fastest rate of extinction by 2033, with over 100 disappearing permanently, a recent study shows. Glaciers in the western US and Canada are expected to hit their peak loss less than ten years later, losing more than 800 glaciers yearly. Human-caused global heating is driving this rapid melting. Globally, about 200,000 glaciers remain, but roughly 750 glaciers vanish each year. This pace is set to speed up as fossil fuel emissions continue. Governments’ current climate plans could push temperatures 2.7°C above preindustrial levels, increasing glacier losses to about 3,000 per year by 2040, and maintaining that rate until 2060. Under this scenario, 80% of today’s glaciers will be gone by 2100. If carbon emissions are cut quickly to limit warming to 1.5°C, annual glacier losses would peak at around 2,000 in 2040 and then fall. Scientists usually focus on ice volume lost, but counting the number of individual glaciers disappearing is also vital. Glaciers serve as water sources, tourist spots, and hold spiritual importance for many local communities. Matthias Huss of ETH Zurich said, "As glaciologists, we do not only model the disappearance of glaciers globally, but we are very directly concerned with this loss of glaciers in our daily work." Huss recently declared four Swiss glaciers extinct, adding to about 1,000 lost there in 30 years. Funeral ceremonies for vanishing glaciers have been held worldwide, including for the Pizol glacier in 2019, where "more than 250 people climbed up to say goodbye." Many glaciers are part of indigenous cultures, like the Māori, who see them as ancestors. Māori leader Nā Lisa Tumahai reflected on the melting Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere glacier, saying it "has been subdued, humiliated by the actions of humans." The study, published in Nature Climate Change, analyzed more than 200,000 glaciers using satellite data and climate models. Smaller, faster-melting glaciers in central Europe, the western US, Canada, the Caucasus, and southern Andes face the greatest losses. For example, central Europe's 3,200 glaciers could shrink by 87% under 1.5°C warming and 97% under 2.7°C by 2100. Greenland’s glaciers melt slower, expected to peak in 2063. Researchers warn glacier loss marks major changes for ecosystems, water supply, and cultures. Two billion people depend on mountain water worldwide. Adaptation ideas include new farming methods, alternative tourism, and artificial glaciers. Dr Arun Bhakta Shrestha said the study "underscores how today’s climate decisions will profoundly influence the future of these vital natural features."