Pink Glacial Ice Has Mysteriously Appeared in the Italian Alps

Algae that accelerate the effects of climate change have emerged in the Presena glacier, located in the Italian Alps, and turned the ice pink. The algae have previously appeared in Greenland's 'Dark-Zone', where the ice is currently melting.

Normally, ice reflects approximately 80% of the sun's radiation back into the atmosphere, but the darker pink surface causes the ice to absorb the heat instead, prompting it to melt faster.

This is alarming news, as other glacial areas are already melting and the Arctic permafrost is thawing. These ecosystems are essential to combat climate change, steer weather patterns and supply locals with fresh water. If glaciers disappear, it could spell climate disaster.