How does glacial retreat pose a threat to the areas in which it occurs?

The issue with glacial retreat is that due the specificity of the glacial climate, the surrounding economies rely heavily on the glaciers as a source of income. For instance, the tourist industry of the area would suffer hugely as a consequence of glacial retreat. For example, Austria's skiing industry depends on the glaciers retreat stagnating, for their ski district is formed by the amalgamation of 8 glaciers. A decline in this industry would hit the locals hard, as their livelihoods are usually specialized to cater to the dominant industry of the region - tourism in this instance. Secondly, there are ecosystems which rely on the colder temperature the glaciers provide. These specialised habitats would face a plethora of negative consequences, due to their fragile ecosystem.  

Answered by Srishti D. Geography tutor

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