Tourist trains will run on new routes in the next year and a half
Bloomberg has reported that Switzerland and Italy are set to adjust their border near the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Climate change and the subsequent melting of Alpine glaciers, which have historically served as natural boundaries between the two nations, have necessitated this border readjustment. Switzerland has already approved a treaty to amend the border; Italy is expected to follow suit.
The border revision will affect the renowned ski resort of Zermatt, a popular destination for hundreds of thousands of tourists. Visitors and skiers currently enjoy the freedom of moving between Switzerland and the Italian Valtournanche valley. The two countries have agreed to adjust the border near the mountains of Testa Grigia, Plateau Rosa, Rifugio Carrel, and Gobba di Rollin, taking into account their economic interests.
The report highlights that European glaciers are melting at a faster rate compared to those on other continents. Over the past two years, they have lost 10% of their remaining volume. By 2050, it is anticipated that glacial coverage will be halved, even if global warming is limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius. As glaciers shrink, familiar mountain routes are undergoing transformation. Rising temperatures are causing ice to deteriorate, posing safety risks to tourists.
