First Glacier Declared Dead Due to Climate Change: Stunning Before and After Images

In Iceland, the Okjökull glacier has become a haunting symbol of climate change, declared “dead” in 2014. Satellite images from 1986 and 2019 reveal its drastic decline, shrinking from about 15 square miles in 1901 to less than 0.4 square miles. This glacier, located on the 3,940-foot-tall Ok volcano, was the first of its kind to be officially recognized as deceased due to human activities. In August 2019, a poignant funeral was held, where a plaque was placed, warning future generations: “In the next 200 years, all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path.” As we reflect on Okjökull’s loss, researchers estimate that up to 10,000 glaciers may have vanished globally, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.