
Glaciers, Roman routes and climate change
What we can really learn from melting glaciers
It's a fascinating thought: an ancient path used by the Romans two thousand years ago is discovered beneath the remains of a melted glacier. Some people use such examples to discredit current concerns about climate change. But what do such finds really tell us about climate change and our place in it?
We created this article based on user requests who sent us this statement for review:
“If you discover a 2,000-year-old pass beneath melted glacier masses that was still used extensively in Roman times, you should perhaps tone down your paranoid climate hysteria a little.”

the fact is
The discovery of a 2,000-year-old mountain pass beneath melted glaciers is an interesting archaeological find that shows that there may have been warmer periods in the past when these routes were used. However, it is important to note that this finding alone is not enough to discredit current climate change or serve as a basis for rejecting the science of global warming.
Which pass route is this anyway? The Col de Zanfleuron, a narrow pass between the cantons of Vaud and Valais at 2,800 m above sea level. M., was covered by ice for at least 2000 years. The pass was exposed again by the melting of the glaciers. It cannot be said with certainty without further investigation whether the pass was actually ice-free during the last interglacial period around 6,000 years ago. The discovery of the Col de Zanfleuron beneath the melting glaciers is a fascinating development. But it does not show that current concerns about climate change are exaggerated. Climate change is a complex and serious challenge that requires comprehensive scientific knowledge and action to manage its impacts and ensure a sustainable future .

Past meets present: What melting glaciers reveal
There is no denying that melting glaciers give us fascinating insights into the past. From “Ötzi”, the ice man from the Copper Age, to the old Roman paths, we have discovered valuable artifacts and historical sites as the glaciers melt. These finds allow us to learn more about past cultures and eras.
Climate change is natural – but that’s not the whole story
Climate change is a natural process. Our Earth has experienced countless periods of warming and cooling throughout its history. The fact that we can discover ancient mountain passes beneath melting glaciers shows that there were times when these areas were ice-free and warm enough for humans to use.
However, current global warming is unusual in both its speed and magnitude. Most climate scientists agree that current climate change is caused primarily by human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. These activities increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Why we should still worry
Even though there have been warmer periods in the past, that does not mean that further warming is unproblematic for us. The expected impacts of climate change are worrying: more extreme weather events, sea level rise, loss of species and ecosystems. These changes have the potential to cause significant damage and disruption to both human societies and natural ecosystems.
Scientific perspective and counterarguments
It is true that throughout the Earth's long history there have been periods of global warming and cooling, which were also associated with ups and downs in greenhouse gas concentrations. But these historic increases in CO₂ should be a warning to us: They led to serious environmental disruptions, including mass extinctions. Today, humans are emitting greenhouse gases at a much higher rate than at any time before in history1.
This argument highlights the importance of the context and speed of contemporary climate change. Although there have been natural climate fluctuations in the past, the speed and magnitude of current climate change is unprecedented and is largely caused by human activities.
Conclusion: Learn from the past, but look to the future
Glaciers melt, sometimes exposing ancient paths or artifacts. That's a fact. But it is also a fact that climate change represents a serious and urgent threat that requires immediate action. While we gain fascinating insights into the past, the state of our glaciers also shows us the pressing realities of the present and the future. Climate change is widespread, progressing rapidly and increasing in intensity. Some changes, such as continued sea level rise, are already underway and will be irreversible for hundreds to thousands of years. However, a strong and sustained reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases could limit climate change. It's time not only to learn from the past, but also to act for the future!
Also read:
- What is actually the difference between climate and weather?
- Green deception: The misleading advertising with the label 'climate neutral'
- Are fries bad for the climate?
- Not a fake: burp for the climate
- How the laughing emoji became a weapon
- A 107-year-old article already predicts climate change. (fact check)
- Climate Change: Quotes, Claims, Rumors
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication
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The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual articles (not fact checks) were created using machine help and
were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )
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