Quantifying the overall effect of artificial glacier melt reduction in Switzerland, 2005–2019

The artificial reduction of glacier melt is gaining increased attention due to accelerated ice wastage with atmospheric warming. In Switzerland, active coverage glaciers using geotextiles performed at currently nine sites and since up 15 years. measures represent an efficient method locally safeguard the operability ski slopes or other touristic attractions. Here, we present assessment evolution geotextile-covered areas correspondingly avoided across Swiss Alps. Presently, about 0.18 km 2 , 0.02% total area, covered by geotextiles, a doubling area 2012. Up 350,000 m 3 per year have been mitigated this technique. We estimate overall costs reduction, compute price 1 saved ice, number relevant for planning such measures. Average over last decade range from 0.6 7.9 CHF ?3 yr ?1 depending on type installation its location glacier. These relatively high are indication considerable economic value attributed ice. also show that not scalable. Whilst local interventions can be profitable, hypothetical application larger scale shows saving Alpine technological solutions neither achievable nor affordable. • Active in Switzerland applied Artificial mitigation but scalable Investments avoiding melting cubic metre 8