Climate change climate change has forced Italy and Switzerland to redraw their borders in the Alps, which were defined by the line of glaciers that have begun to melt due to rising temperatures.

Part of the affected area will be below Mount Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest mountains, and close to several popular ski resorts.

In particular, the border between Switzerland and Italy will change in the area of the Rosa Valley, the Karel refuge and Gomba di Roland – all of which are close to the Matterhorn and popular ski resorts such as Chermatt.

Large parts of the Swiss-Italian border, as reported by the BBC, are defined by glacier ridges or areas of perennial snow. Melting glaciers have caused these natural boundaries to shift, with both countries seeking to correct the border.

Last week, on Friday, Switzerland formally approved the change agreement, while Italy’s approval is pending. The two countries had agreed to the change last year.

Statistics released last September showed that Switzerland’s glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, the second largest loss ever recorded after 6% in 2022. The reason for this is the very hot summers and minimal snowfall in winter.