Glaciers in the Austrian Alps are melting fast, threatening vital water reserves. At Hintereisferner, one of Europe’s key research sites, Tobias Sauter and his team measure the impact of climate change on mountain ranges. The data they gather is also relayed to environmental organizations and governments.

What are the real impacts of melting glaciers?

Up to 90% of glaciers in the Alps could be gone by the end of the century, with the situation in the Himalayas only slightly better. But hope remains, says Sauter – provided carbon emissions are reduced rapidly in order to stabilize the climate.