80% of Earth’s glaciers ‘will be gone by 2100 if global temperatures rise by 4C’

The findings suggest that glaciers are projected to lose 26% to 41% of their total mass by 2100, based on temperature rises of 1.5C to 4C respectively

The Devon Ice Cap in Devon Island, Canada. Picture: Luke Copland/University of Ottawa/PA Wire

More than three-quarters of Earth’s glaciers may be gone by the end of the century if investment in fossil fuels continues and global temperatures rise by 4C, scientists have warned.

The researchers said that, even in a best-case scenario – where the increase in global mean temperature is limited to 1.5C relative to pre-industrial levels – around half of the planet’s glaciers will disappear.