The disappearance of Colombian glaciers is advancing rapidly, and Huila is not exempt from this phenomenon that affects the country’s snow-capped mountains, such as the emblematic Nevado del Huila. In January of this year, one of the last ice sheets of the Nevado Santa Isabel disappeared, a warning sign about the future of the Colombian snow-capped peaks, which will not survive beyond 2030.
DIARIO DEL HUILA, ENVIRONMENT
In the midst of the natural splendor that characterizes Colombia, the department of Huila observes, like much of the country, how the snow on the tops of its peaks reduces each year. This phenomenon, symbolized in the irreversible melting of Nevado Santa Isabel, highlights an alarming situation for the region and the country: the disappearance of its last glaciers in less than a decade.
Jorge Luis Ceballos, glaciologist at the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam), has closely followed this process for the last 25 years. According to their records, in January of this year one of the last ice sheets disappeared in Santa Isabel, and, according to current calculations, the rest of this glacial sheet will not survive until 2030. “I’m losing my job,” Ceballos comments with resignation. , who is the only professional in his field in Colombia and, in his own words, one of the last in the world.
The Nevado Santa Isabel, which shares a location between Risaralda, Tolima and Caldas, will be the first to disappear. High temperatures have already melted 96% of its original glacial layer, which has gone from covering 27 km² in the 19th century to only 0.29 km² today. With constant temperatures between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius, the glaciers of this snowy mountain cannot avoid their extinction.
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Impact on Huila and Mountain Ecosystems
While Santa Isabel loses its last layers, other peaks such as Nevado del Huila also experience accelerated melting. Although it is located at a higher altitude, which allows it to still retain some ice, climate change continues to take its toll. Like Ruiz and Tolima, Nevado del Huila has lost half of its glacial mass in the last 30 years. This phenomenon of ice loss, although at first glance it seems like just a change in the landscape, implies the disappearance of an entire glacial ecosystem, vital for the environmental balance in the country.
“Ice is not just snow on the mountain; It is a climate thermometer that reflects the warming of the planet,” says Ceballos. Furthermore, the snow-capped mountains of Huila and other Colombian regions represent a unique geographic feature in the world, since, along with countries like Ecuador and a small part of Africa, Colombia is one of the few places located in the tropics where glaciers are still found.
From Disappearance to Ecosystem Transformation
The disappearance of the Colombian snow-capped mountains also gives way to an important ecological change: where there was snow, the paramo will emerge, a key ecosystem for water production in the country. Unlike the Alps or the Himalayas, where glaciers are the main source of water, in Colombia the moors play this essential role. Thus, the transition from ice to paramo will allow the hydrological cycle to continue in the Andean areas.
For the country, and in particular for Huila, the thaw means not only the loss of a visual characteristic, but an irreversible change that demands more studies and strategies to adapt. As Ceballos concludes, “glaciers, although small, are the Earth’s thermometer and their loss in Colombia marks a historical moment that invites us to reflect and act in the face of climate change.”
A Disappearing Ecosystem and the Role of the Scientific Community
The thawing process in the snow-capped mountains of Colombia also presents a challenge for the scientific community and the inhabitants of the affected regions, such as Huila. Over time, the country will no longer have the environmental services that these ecosystems offer, and it will be essential for researchers and local authorities to focus on the conservation of the wastelands that will emerge. These spaces, although more resistant to climate change, are still vulnerable to human intervention, and their preservation will be vital to ensure the water supply to the Andean and southwestern Colombian communities.
Natural Heritage at Risk
For the people of Huila and Colombians in general, the loss of the snow-capped mountains also represents the disappearance of a natural and cultural heritage. Years ago, these imposing snow-capped peaks were icons on the Colombian horizon, portrayed in artistic works and revered in indigenous mythologies. Now, their disappearance is a tangible reminder of the impact of climate change and the urgency of protecting what remains of these natural treasures. At the same time, the phenomenon highlights the importance of building a legacy of conservation and environmental awareness in the region, so that future generations understand the relevance of these unique ecosystems and learn to value the balance they offer to the environment.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Glaciologist Jorge Luis Ceballos
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ceballos. It’s an honor to have you with us today. Your extensive work on glaciers in Colombia, especially in Huila, is crucial as we witness rapid environmental changes. Can you tell us about the current state of the Colombian glaciers, particularly the Nevado Santa Isabel?
Ceballos: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this critical issue. As we stand today, the Nevado Santa Isabel has unfortunately lost an alarming 96% of its original glacial layer. Just this January, one of its last ice sheets vanished completely, which sends a dire warning about the future of our snow-capped mountains in Colombia. If current trends continue, we might not have any glaciers left by 2030.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. So, the disappearance of these glaciers isn’t just a visual change in the landscape—it has far-reaching implications, correct?
Ceballos: Absolutely. The glaciers serve as important indicators of climate change, acting as the Earth’s thermometer. Their loss signals not just changes in our scenery, but an entire ecosystem transformation. These glaciers are vital for environmental balance, providing essential services like water supply. As the glaciers retreat, ecosystems transition to paramo, which plays a vital role in maintaining the hydrological cycle in the Andes.
Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the ecological changes ahead, but also deeply concerning. What does this mean for the local communities, and how can they prepare for these transitions?
Ceballos: Local communities will need to adapt to the changes in water availability and environmental services. In Huila, the loss of glacial mass means that residents might experience water shortages as the glacial-fed systems dwindle. We must conduct further studies and formulate strategies not just for adaptation but also for the conservation of the emerging paramo ecosystems, which will require a shift in our local and national water management approaches.
Editor: You mentioned that glaciers in Colombia are unique as they are situated in a tropical region. How does this affect biodiversity and the global conversation about climate change?
Ceballos: Yes, Colombia is one of the few countries situated in the tropics where glaciers still exist, alongside places like Ecuador and small parts of Africa. This biodiversity is irreplaceable, and its loss signals a larger trend we see globally. The extinction of glaciers in Huila, for example, highlights the intense vulnerability of high-altitude ecosystems. Each glacier that disappears contributes to the broader narrative of climate change and its adverse effects on biodiversity worldwide, urging us to take immediate action.
Editor: Indeed, the urgency is palpable. Given your unique position as a leading glaciologist in Colombia, what message or call to action do you have for our readers and policymakers?
Ceballos: The loss of our glaciers is not merely a scientific concern; it is a societal one. I urge readers and policymakers to view these changes as a shared responsibility. Engage in discussions about climate action, advocate for sustainable practices, and invest in researching and preserving our unique ecosystems. As I often say, “Glaciers may be small in surface area, but their loss marks a historical moment that calls for our reflection and immediate action.”
Editor: Powerful words, Dr. Ceballos. Thank you for sharing your insights and for your ongoing commitment to understanding and combating the effects of climate change in Colombia. It’s crucial that we all heed your message and act collaboratively for our environment’s future.
Ceballos: Thank you for focusing on this vital issue. It’s conversations like this that can inspire change.