Rapid Melting of Turkiye’s Glaciers Amid Climate Crisis

Location:

• Mount Cilo, Hakkari Province, southeastern Turkiye

  • Second highest mountain in Turkey

  • After Greater Mount Ararat (5,137 meters / 16,854 feet)

  • Height: 4,135 meters

  • Located near the Iraqi border

Key Observations:

• Glacier disappearance observed over the last decade

  • Bare peaks now visible

  • Large blocks of glacier ice seen flowing in torrents

• Increased waterfall flow indicates accelerated melting

• Loss of snow/ice cover also visible on surrounding slopes

Scientific Data & Expert Insights:

• Almost 50% of snow and ice cover lost in last 40 years
• Melting process is faster than predicted

Wider Environmental Context:

• Turkiye facing:

  • Repeated heatwaves

  • Prolonged droughts

  • Record temperature of 50.5°C recorded recently

• UN Warning:

  • Glaciers in many global regions may not survive the 21st century due to human-induced climate change

Causes:

• Global Warming from anthropogenic emissions

• Climate change-induced temperature rise in high-altitude regions

• Reduced snowfall and altered precipitation patterns

Implications:

• Water security threat for downstream populations

• Impact on local biodiversity and agriculture

• Loss of unique glacial ecosystems

• Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)