Anyone hiking across a Swiss glacier today often experiences two worlds at once. On the one hand, there are the immense masses of ice that have shaped our Alps for centuries. And at the same time, the signs of their retreat are visible everywhere: exposed rocks, new lakes and landscapes that change from year to year.

These changes were also the subject of a report by SRF Schweiz aktuellat the end of June, in which we at GlaciersAlive were able to take part. For a week, the SRF team accompanied experts and various organisations onto Switzerland’s glaciers to show what glacier retreat means for Switzerland.

Why we participated

At GlaciersAlive, we want to inspire people with a passion for the fascinating world of glaciers, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the growing threats they face. After all, anyone who understands the importance of glaciers to nature and society will also recognise why protecting them is so vital.

We were therefore delighted to be able to contribute our experiences and our work to the report. Features like this help to communicate scientific findings in an accessible way and make the impacts of climate change tangible.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at SRF Schweiz aktuell for the exciting collaboration and the opportunity to be part of this report. After all, protecting glaciers is about more than just protecting ice. It is about our landscapes, our water resources and the future of coming generations.

The documentary Ma Bella Val – Vadret da Roseg tells the story of the Roseg Glacier in the Engadin and vividly illustrates how the Alps are changing as a result of climate change.

This documentary, directed by Hassan Lakhdar and lasting around 26 minutes, follows people who have been observing and researching the changes in the Alpine landscape for decades. The focus is on the Vadret da Roseg,one of the best-known glaciers in the Bernina massif. Its visible retreat has become a symbol of the far-reaching changes that climate change is causing in the Alps.

The film focuses on glacial retreat, which is being studied in depth in the Bernina massif using innovative research methods. At the same time, it explores Engadine culture, tourism and the importance of skiing to the region. Recent events in the Roseg Valley highlight once again just how precious – and at the same time vulnerable – this unique natural landscape is.

For GlaciersAlive, Ma Bella Val is an important example of how film can help raise awareness of glacier retreat and highlight the value of our glaciers.

Glaciers are far more than just impressive features of the landscape. They are natural water reservoirs, safeguarding the water supply for people and ecosystems, and shaping the identity of the Swiss Alps. Their retreat raises the question of how we can take responsibility today for the water resources of tomorrow.

It was precisely this idea that led to the partnership between Microlino and GlaciersAlive.

When mobility and glacier conservation come together

Microlino represents a new form of mobility: compact, fully electric and designed for resource-efficient everyday use. Microlino and GlaciersAlive share the belief that sustainable solutions are most effective when they are specific and visible.

The ‘Microlino x GlaciersAlive – Ice is Life’ initiative brings this shared commitment to life.

One per cent for the glaciers

For every Microlino sold in selected Swiss glacier regions(Bernese Oberland, Uri, Valais, Graubünden & Ticino) Microlino donates 1% of the vehicle’s value to GlaciersAlive.

The funds raised go towards our projects, which focus on protecting glaciers and safeguarding water resources.

Making a difference together

The challenges posed by climate change can only be tackled by working together. Partnerships between the scientific community, the business sector and civil society play a crucial role in this regard.

We are delighted to have Microlino as a partner, a company that combines sustainable mobility with a concrete commitment to protecting Switzerland’s glaciers.

Because one thing remains the same:

Ice is Life.

You can find out more about the partnership here: Microlino x GlaciersAlive – Gemeinsam für den Schutz der Schweizer Gletscher