In a significant event, Iceland paid tribute to Okjokull, its first glacier that has disappeared due to climate change. A bronze plaque was unveiled in a ceremony to commemorate this loss. Named Okjokull — which translates to “Ok glacier” — it stands as the world’s first memorial specifically for a glacier lost to climate change. This once-massive ice formation was situated in western Iceland.
About Okjokull Glacier
Commonly referred to as OK, Okjokull used to be a part of Langjökull group, one of Iceland’s eight regional groups of glaciers. The term ‘jokull’ is the Icelandic word for “glacier”. However, glaciologists removed Okjokull from the status of glacier in 2014 because it ceased to behave like one. A glacier is typically a large, persistent mass of compacted ice that gains more mass each winter than it loses through summer melt and moves constantly under its own weight. When this process stops, the remaining ice is referred to as “dead ice”.
The Diminishing Okjokull
A report by the University of Iceland from 2017 revealed that the size of Okjokull had significantly reduced over the years. In 1890, the glacier measured around 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles). It has now diminished to a mere 0.7 square kilometer.
Vatnajokull: The Largest Glacier Group in Iceland
The Vatnajokull group is the largest among all glacier groups in Iceland. The country’s Vatnajokull National Park, which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, is situated in the largest ice cap in Europe, i.e., the Vatnajokull Glacier. This national park, located in southern Iceland, was officially established in 2008 by merging Jokulsargljufur and Skaftafell National Parks. Being the biggest National Park in Europe, it spans an area of 12,000 square kilometers and is situated atop the OK volcano in west central Iceland.
Environmental Impact: The Bigger Picture
Iceland’s lost glacier also showcases a significant environmental impact. It was labeled “415 ppm CO2,” symbolizing the record level of carbon dioxide detected in the atmosphere. This loss underscores the imminent climate crisis the world faces today. A study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggests that almost half of the world’s heritage sites might lose their glaciers by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current pace.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Glacier Lost | Okjokull |
| Location | Western Iceland |
| Size in 1890 | 16 square kilometers |
| Size in 2017 | 0.7 square kilometer |
| CO2 Levels Symbolized | 415 ppm |
| Potential Glacier Loss by 2100 | Nearly 50% of World Heritage Sites |
Global Impact of Climate Change
The loss of Okjokull is not just about the disappearance of a glacier. It is a stark reminder of the far-reaching implications of climate change, an issue that every country in the world must address. This loss raises serious concerns about the future of our environment and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action against the ever-growing threat of climate change.
