Venezuela's Glacial Disappearance and Climate Change

Venezuela has become the first country to lose all its glaciers due to climate change. Once home to six glaciers, only the Humbolt Glacier remained, which has now shrunk to an ice field. Factors such as high temperatures and proximity to the equator contributed to this rapid melting. Efforts to save the glacier, like using a thermal blanket, faced criticism for potential environmental harm. The loss of glaciers poses a threat to freshwater supplies, and scientists predict that up to 80% of the world's glaciers could disappear by 2100. This situation highlights the urgent need for global action on climate change.

What significant milestone has Venezuela reached in the context of climate change?

• First country to have glaciers in the desert

• First country to gain glaciers

• First country to lose all glaciers

• First country to double its glacier size

How many glaciers did Venezuela originally have?

• Five

• Three

• Four

• Six

What was the original size of the Humbolt Glacier?

• 4.5 Square km

• 2.5 Square km

• 8.5 Square km

• 6.5 Square km

What is a commonly accepted guideline for a body of ice to be classified as a glacier?

• 0.05 Square km

• 0.15 Square km

• 0.2 Square km

• 0.1 Square km

Which geographical factors made Venezuela's glaciers more vulnerable to global warming?

• Desert climate and high temperatures

• Dense forest cover and high rainfall

• Proximity to the Equator and low-lying mountains

• High altitude and cold climate

What was the Venezuelan government's project to save the last glacier?

• Planting trees around it

• Covering it with a thermal blanket

• Building a dam

• Creating artificial snow

What was the main criticism of the thermal blanket project?

• It was too expensive

• It was not scientifically proven

• It could lead to microplastic pollution

• It would increase glacier melting

What role do glaciers play in some regions?

• Reducing rainfall

• Increasing sea levels

• Providing fresh water

• Causing earthquakes

By what year do scientists predict the world could lose up to 80% of its glaciers?

• 2050

• 2100

• 2075

• 2150

Which continents might be next to become glacier-free?

• Africa and Australia

• Asia and Europe

• South America and Africa

• North America and Antarctica