Swanson School of Engineering

Today, I saw Sólheimajökull up close, and it was honestly one of the most unreal things I’ve ever seen! But sadly it’s disappearing, and that’s difficult for me to wrap my head around. But beneath its beauty lies an urgent warning. Sólheimajökull is sadly melting at an alarming rate due to global warming and climate change, and seeing it firsthand made the issue feel more real than ever. Glaciers like Sólheimajökull are crucial to Iceland’s ecosystem and local communities. They act as natural water reservoirs, regulating rivers and supporting wildlife. However, as temperatures rise, these glaciers retreat rapidly. The loss of glacial ice contributes to rising sea levels, impacting coastal areas not only in Iceland but worldwide. For Iceland, this also affects tourism, energy production, and even agriculture. Our guide mentioned that Sólheimajökull has been shrinking significantly over the past few decades which is a result of climate change.  So I ask myself, what can be done? One approach is carbon offset programs, where industries and individuals invest in renewable energy or reforestation to balance their carbon footprint. Iceland is already a leader in clean energy, utilizing geothermal and hydroelectric power to reduce emissions. Another potential solution is geoengineering, such as artificial barriers to slow glacial melt. While some of these may be controversial, these innovations could buy time as we transition to more sustainable lifestyles.  Visiting the glacier today made me realize how urgent this crisis is. Seeing its beauty made me appreciate what we’re at risk of losing. The responsibility to slow glacial melt isn’t just on Iceland and the locals, it’s actually on all of us. Whether through policy changes, sustainable travel, or individual actions, we all have a role in preserving these natural wonders to preserve the future of our beautiful planet. With this in mind, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beauty of our planet. Especially at the end of the day, when I got to see the northern lights for the first time (tears were shed). Our world is incredible, and we have to find a way to protect it, including special places like this glacier.