# Papua's 'eternal snow' vanishing due to climate change Tropical glaciers in Papua disappearing rapidly, impacting climate science and indigenous cultures. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-09-25 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c3e948a8-e9b3-4fc6-bd06-809340740a3f ## Centuries-old snow disappearing The Sudirman Range in Papua, Indonesia, once had permanent snow across all four major peaks. Now, only small patches remain around Puncak Jaya, expected to vanish completely within a year or two. Glacier cover has shrunk from 1,900 hectares in the 19th century to just 16 hectares today. This rapid loss is occurring despite Papua's proximity to the equator, where snow is already rare. ## Unique climate archive lost Papua's tropical glaciers are unique, separated from other glacier systems by thousands of kilometers. Ice cores from Puncak Jaya preserve valuable climate records, offering insights into atmospheric conditions and warm ocean waters. Scientists are losing this irreplaceable archive before fully studying it. The glaciers' retreat provides long-term evidence of Earth's warming, with implications for climate research worldwide. ## Climate change drivers Human activities like fossil fuel burning are warming the atmosphere, causing glaciers to retreat globally. In Papua, rising temperatures push the freezing point higher, turning snowfall into rain. El Niño events accelerate this process, while local factors like cloud cover and topography influence the pace. Even small temperature increases can determine whether glaciers survive in these tropical conditions. ## Cultural devastation At least five indigenous groups have spiritual ties to Puncak Jaya, known as Mbainggela or Nemangkawi (White Arrow). The mountain symbolizes honesty, purity and moral integrity in Amungme traditions. Adolfina Kum compares its loss to Muslims losing Mecca or Catholics losing the Vatican. The disappearing glacier threatens cultural foundations passed down for generations. ## Industrial transformation The region has undergone dramatic changes since vast copper and gold deposits were discovered. Mining operations like Grasberg, one of the world's largest, have reshaped landscapes with excavations and infrastructure. While bringing economic opportunities, development has caused environmental degradation and social conflicts. Many indigenous people have lost access to ancestral lands. ## Mixed local perspectives Elfrida Natkime expresses both awe and sadness about the changes. While development provides livelihoods, it also represents exploitation. The glacier's disappearance compounds these complex feelings. Indigenous communities face losing sacred landscapes that define their identity, alongside dealing with industrial impacts on their environment and way of life. ## Documenting the disappearance Scientists and explorers are racing to record what remains. Klaus Thymann's team used drones and 3D mapping to create detailed models. From the early 2000s to 2025, glaciated area has receded by 95%. These efforts highlight glaciers as powerful climate change indicators, making abstract concepts tangible when 'eternal' features vanish within human lifetimes. ## Global implications Papua's vanishing glaciers represent both local tragedy and global warning. Their loss removes biological habitats, cultural landmarks and climate records simultaneously. The rapid retreat demonstrates how sensitive tropical glaciers are to temperature changes. This case study underscores the urgent need for climate action, showing how warming disproportionately affects unique ecosystems and indigenous communities. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm5ydvww0erdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._