EventBetween 2024‑26, sea‑terminating Svalbard glaciers such as Kronebreen and Monacobreen lost 600–900 m of ice, and ten marine glaciers have fully retreated onto dry land, according to satellite and field data from the Norwegian Polar Institute. Rising sea temperatures are cited as the main driver, and the trend has intensified debate over Norway’s offshore energy policy.
Glaciers on Svalbard are retreating up to 900 m in two years as sea temperatures rise 3 °C above average, threatening coastal ecosystems and adding to global sea‑level rise.
10 Svalbard glaciers have retreated back to land in two years, and the Austfonna glacier is melting at record speeds, according to a Norwegian Polar Institute report.
