Indonesia’s Last Glacier Ice Remained in 2024, But Faces Extinction by 2030

Cold Regions Science and Technology, 26 January 2026

A team of Indonesian researchers used over four decades of satellite imagery (1980–2024) to update the status of Asia’s last tropical glaciers, located in a highly inaccessible region of easternmost Indonesia. Ironically known as the “Eternity Glaciers,” ice area in this region has declined by 97% over the 44-year period, leaving just two small remnant glaciers as of 2024: the Carstensz and the East Northwall Firn glacier, both on their way to extinction. Four small glaciers (Ngga Pilimsit, Meren, Southwall Hanging, and West Northwall Firn) have already disappeared entirely. Based on observed trends, the remaining ice is projected to vanish by 2030, underscoring the exceptional vulnerability of tropical glaciers. Once these glacier remnants disappear, there will be no more tropical glaciers in Asia.

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