The Alps – a climate hotspot – Hiking in the Engadin

The Alps are a dream destination for hiking, mountaineering and unforgettable experiences of nature. Yet the mountain world as we know it is changing rapidly. The SRF Einstein documentary ‘Climate Hotspot: The Alps – Hiking in the Engadin’ highlights the impact that climate change is already having on the Swiss Alps.

Among those featured is glaciologist Felix Keller. The documentary takes viewers to the Tuoi Hut near Piz Buin and clearly shows how the landscape is changing: the tree line now lies at around 2,400 metres, hiking trails have to be closed due to the risk of rockfalls, and even SAC huts are facing new challenges.

Thawing permafrost is a particular problem. It can destabilise slopes and increase the risk of rockfalls and mudslides. Of the 152 SAC huts, 65 could be at risk from thawing permafrost. At the same time, the water supply is already a problem at many huts.

The glaciers are disappearing

The change is particularly evident when looking at the glaciers: since records began in Switzerland in 1850, a good 1,000 glaciers have already disappeared. Furthermore, since 2023, less than half of the glacier area that existed at that time remains. According to the documentary, 30 more glaciers have disappeared this summer alone.

And the forecasts do not look any better: if global warming continues, almost all of Switzerland’s glaciers could be a thing of the past by 2100. Not only will we lose impressive landscapes as a result, but glaciers are also a vital part of the water cycle and shape the Alpine landscape and its ecosystems. 

The documentary makes a compelling case: climate change is altering not only our glaciers, but the entire Alpine landscape – and, with it, hiking and life in the mountains.

📺 If you missed the programme last week, you can still watch it on SRF: SRF Einstein – «Klima-Hotspot Alpen»