On September 1, 2026, I accompanied the heads of state of the German-speaking countries (Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland) to the Stubai Glacier. At the invitation of Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the State of Tyrol, I joined colleagues from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany), and the Free University of Brussels in explaining the dramatic impacts of climate change.
At the “Top of Tyrol” viewing platform, we presented the realities of glacial retreat and permafrost warming and vanishing to our high-ranking guests, discussing the critical consequences for the Stubai Valley, the Alps, and beyond.
During the evening state banquet, Prince Alois of Liechtenstein highlighted the raised awareness of climate change—prompted by the “striking yet sobering images of the glacier”—in his speech. The scientists now hope that this newfound awareness among heads of state will provide concrete impetus for national and international cryosphere monitoring. A particular focus is placed on supporting the UN Decade of Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034)—a crucial period for better understanding, communicating, and addressing global climate change.
Provided by Isabelle Gärtner-Roer
Heads of state of the German-speaking countries meet scientists in Tyrol, Austria on 1. September 2026 © Peter Lechner/HBF