"Glacial Retreat: Paving the Way for New Ecosystems in the Future"

Glacial retreat caused by climate change is leading to the emergence of new ecosystems, according to a synthesis of scientific studies. As glaciers shrink, downstream systems are being affected, resulting in changes to biodiversity. Glacial ecosystems are crucial for understanding how biodiversity responds to glacier retreat. The loss of glaciers is also threatening habitats and poorly known biodiversity. The rapid growth of glacial lakes since 1990 is creating new habitat for Pacific salmon in western North America. The study highlights the importance of stewardship of lands exposed by deglaciation and the need for glacier protection laws.