Melting and Mystification A Comparative Analysis of Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Introduction Who has not stood in awe gazing at a mighty mountain glacier? Worldwide, these white giants of high altitude are shrinking due to rising temperatures (Fig. 1).1 Images of receding mountain glaciers have become as emblematic of climate change as are pictures of polar bears in search of solid ice. Climate impacts occurring at high altitudes and high latitudes also have in common that they provide early-warning signals. Where ice disappears temperatures are amplified beyond the global average,2,3 allowing for a glance at the pace of change to be expected elsewhere. This contribution is not meant to provide the most recent scientific findings on the implications and prospects of mountain glaciers under global