A study on glacial ice volume by the Institute of Environmental Geosciences and Dartmouth University released Monday says that there is 20% less ice in the world’s glaciers than previously thought.

The study found less ice in some regions and more ice in others, with the overall result that there is less glacial ice worldwide.

The results have implications on the availability of water for drinking, power generation, agriculture, and other uses worldwide.

The findings also change projections for climate-driven sea-level rise expected to affect populations around the globe.

There is up to 23% less glacial ice and freshwater available in South America’s tropical Andes mountains; directly impacting millions of people.

There is 37% more glacial ice/water resource available in Asia’s Himalayas mountains.

The new estimate reduces the potential for glacial contribution to sea-level rise by 3 inches, revising it downward from 13 inches to just over 10 inches.

The study is the first complete data atlas on glacier speed and thickness and revises projections on the amount of the
world’s glacial ice.

Aljazeera.