On Shrinking Glaciers, New Perspectives, and the Power of Collective Action

In light of ongoing climate change, how can we remain optimistic about the future? And how can we tackle the major challenges of our time without losing hope? We addressed these questions at a partner event hosted by the Rotary Clubs Bad Ragaz. Together with glaciologist Felix Keller and the foundation’s president, Thomas Spiegelberg, we from “Glaciers Alive” had the opportunity to help organize the evening and discuss the future of glaciers, the consequences of climate change, and possible solutions with the guests.

Glaciers: Much More Than Just Ice

In his presentation, Felix Keller demonstrated how glacier retreat is continuing and what effects this trend is having on our water resources. After all, glaciers are not only impressive natural landscapes, but also important natural water reservoirs.

The examples from Central Asia and South America, in particular, made it clear just how closely the livelihoods of millions of people are tied to glaciers. When these water reservoirs shrink, it’s not just the landscape that changes. The availability of water and, consequently, the living conditions of many people come under pressure as well. These connections make it clear that the future of glaciers extends far beyond mountainous regions. It affects us all.

Identifying Challenges, Finding New Approaches

At Glaciers Alive, we explore how we can address this trend and create new perspectives for the future. The evening in Bad Ragaz provided an opportunity to share our experiences, build on our ideas, and brainstorm possible solutions together. Because even though the challenges are great, we don’t have to limit ourselves to the role of observers. Research, innovation, and collective engagement open up new possibilities for dealing with change and actively shaping the future.

Musical ending

The musical ending showed that an evening devoted to glaciers and climate change doesn't have to be all about serious topics. Felix Keller on violin and Thomas Spiegelberg on bass created an evocative fusion of nature and music.

The music provided a special ending and served as a reminder that our commitment is not just about numbers, data, and scientific findings. It’s also about our relationship with nature, what we want to preserve, and our shared responsibility toward future generations.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Bad Ragaz for the invitation and for the open and enriching discussion.

Music for a good cause

The Swiss Ice Fiddlers combine music with their passion for the mountains and glaciers. At this event, they are using their music to support the work of GlaciersAlive and, in doing so, projects aimed at keeping glaciers alive.

Brunch at Prui – whatever the weather

The brunch at Prui will go ahead even if the weather is bad. So, for anyone who’d like to come along to the brunch, you can head up to Prui as planned.

In the event of bad weather, there is a separate programme of music:
The Swiss Ice Fiddlers will then be playing in the restaurant at the Hotel Bellavista in Ftan.

When the weather is good: Brunch & live music at Prui
In the event of bad weather: Brunch at Prui, live music at the Hotel Bellavista Ftan

If you have any questions about the weather programme, please contact the Hotel Bellavista Ftan on 081 864 01 33 or by email at info@bellavista-ftan.ch.

On 3 June, we had the opportunity to take part in the ClimateActions 4 Companies ERFA Day in Zug. The event brought together companies, organisations and experts to share experiences and discuss practical approaches to effective climate action.

The focus was on questions that concern many businesses: How can companies actively involve their customers in sustainability initiatives? Which solutions work in practice? And how can climate protection and economic success be meaningfully combined?

Exchange of experiences with a focus on the hotel industry

One of the key themes of this year’s ERFA Day was how hotels can encourage their guests to play an active role in climate protection.

Among other things, the discussion focused on measures to reduce food waste and ways to encourage the consumption of local tap water, thereby conserving resources. It became clear that sustainable change often stems from many small decisions which, when taken together, can have a significant impact.

The hotel Bellavista (Ftan, Graubünden) was also given the opportunity to present its own ideas and visions. The focus was on their thoughts on how guests can be involved even more closely in sustainable activities in future, and what contribution tourism initiatives can make to the protection of water resources and glaciers.

Image rights: MyBluePlanet

Musical introduction & presentation of the GlaciersAlive Microlino

Zum Auftakt des Abends spielte Felix Keller und Thomas Spiegelberg eine Geigen- und Gitarrenperformance, begleitet von Aufnahmen des Gletscherkonzerts auf dem Morteratschgletscher. Die Kombination aus Musik und Bildern schuf einen direkten Bezug zu den Themen Wasser, Gletscher und Klimawandel, die auch die Arbeit von GlaciersAlive prägen.

Another part of the programme was the presentation of the GlaciersAlive Microlino.

The partnership between Microlino and GlaciersAlive combines sustainable mobility with a concrete commitment to glacier conservation. For every vehicle sold in a Swiss glacier region, a contribution goes towards projects aimed at protecting and preserving our glaciers.

Achieving more together

ERFA Day has once again demonstrated just how valuable it is for businesses, organisations and committed individuals to exchange ideas. Many of the challenges posed by climate change cannot be tackled by individual actors alone. They require collaboration, the sharing of experiences and a willingness to try new approaches.

Wir danken MYBLUEPLANET für die Organisation des Anlasses sowie allen Teilnehmenden und Partnern für die spannenden Gespräche, die neuen Perspektiven und den offenen Erfahrungsaustausch.

Join us for a personal guided tour of the Morteratsch Glacier's forefield and experience the glacial landscape up close. Together with our glaciologist, Dr. Felix Keller, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the world of glaciers and learn interesting facts about their formation, movement, and significance.

Programme overview

📅 Friday, June 5, 2026
🕗 8:00 a.m. – approx. 1:00 p.m.
📍 Meeting point: RhB Morteratsch Station
🥾 Please bring hiking shoes and warm clothing

✉️ Registration: info@glaciersalive.ch until May 31, 2026

We look forward to seeing you there!