Latest news with #FabriceCOFFRINI
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Burning Man Of Brain Science And How Croatia Became Ground Zero For AI's Next Breakthoughs
TOPSHOT - A robot using artificial intelligence is displayed at a stand during the International ... More Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, on May 30, 2024. Humanity is in a race against time to harness the colossal emerging power of artificial intelligence for the good of all, while averting dire risks, a top UN official said. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) While venture capitalists pour billions into the latest AI startups—with global VC investment in AI surging to an unprecedented $110 billion in 2024—the most transformative breakthroughs may be happening in an unexpected place: a sun-soaked conference center on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. As Silicon Valley chases the next ChatGPT and investors scramble to fund everything from AI-powered dating apps to automated hedge funds, a small but influential gathering of neuroscientists and AI researchers is quietly working on something far more fundamental—understanding how intelligence actually works. The venture capital frenzy surrounding artificial intelligence has created a curious paradox. While hundreds of startups receive funding to build applications on top of existing AI models, relatively little attention—and even less money—flows toward the basic research that could unlock the next generation of truly intelligent systems. The current AI boom, built largely on scaled-up neural networks and massive datasets, may be reaching its limits just as investors double down on incremental improvements. But in Split, Croatia, a different conversation is taking place—one that could reshape not just how we build AI, but how we understand the very nature of intelligence itself. The world's brightest minds gathered in Split, Croatia, for what one attendee called "neurIPS crossed with Burning Man." This wasn't your typical academic conference. For four days in May 2025, the sixth International Conference on Mathematics of Neuroscience and AI brought together an extraordinary collection of researchers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are wrestling with some of the most profound questions of our time: How do we think? How do machines learn? And what happens when the two converge? The conference's origins trace back to a simple yet ambitious idea six years ago during the pandemic. Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard's Center for Brain Science and MIT's Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, was frustrated by what he saw as a fundamental gap in neuroscience. "There aren't any truly general theories about how human brains learn and function," he explains. "In a lot of other sciences—including biochemistry—the pathway to discovering these unifying theories has been about bringing in more sophisticated mathematics." What began as a gathering of Battleday, his colleagues Professor Dan Nicolau Jr, Dr James Whittington, and a dozen friends has evolved into a premier international forum featuring what organizers boldly call "the best line-up of the decade for a neuroscience and AI conference." This year's roster included Professor Juergen Schmidhuber, widely regarded as the "father of modern AI," and Professor Jay McClelland, one of the pioneers of artificial neural networks. The Mathematics of Mind The conference's focus on mathematical rigor reflects a growing recognition that neuroscience, despite being only a century old, needs more sophisticated theoretical frameworks. Unlike physics, which has unified theories like relativity and quantum mechanics, neuroscience remains largely descriptive. "We're still trying to figure out the basic rules," Battleday notes. "But if we learn more about human brains, we understand ourselves better, gain clues as to how to treat neurological disease, and can build much better machines and AI." This interdisciplinary approach was evident throughout the conference's programming. Seven internationally renowned keynote speakers delivered presentations that ranged from theoretical neuroscience to practical AI applications. Thirty additional talks and two hundred posters covered everything from biocomputation to cognitive science, creating what attendees described as an unusually rich intellectual environment. Professor Juergen Schmidhuber's keynote to a packed auditorium exemplified this blend of theory and application. Although Juergen himself developed many of the algorithmic components of modern AI in the early 1990s, he argued that we are still lacking the physical means to allow these systems to learn from and develop in the real world effectively. Two of the forefathers of artificial neural networks together—Professors Jay McClelland, Professor ... More of Psychology at Stanford, and Juergen Schmidhuber, AI lead at KAUST and head of the Swiss AI Institute. Watched intently by conference chairs Dr Ruairidh McLennan Battleday (Harvard / MIT) and Dr James Whittington (Stanford / Oxford) The Human Edge Perhaps the most thought-provoking presentation came from Professor Jay McClelland of Stanford and DeepMind, who posed the question: "Are People Still Smarter than Machines?" His answer was a qualified yes. While acknowledging AI's tremendous progress, McClelland argued that the human brain deploys "a more efficient and creative algorithm that follows a different—and better—logic." This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that AI systems are rapidly approaching or surpassing human intelligence across all domains. McClelland's argument suggests that the competition between human and artificial intelligence may be less about raw computational power and more about fundamental differences in how information is processed and creativity emerges. The implications extend far beyond academic debate. If McClelland is correct, the future of AI development may require not just bigger models and more data, but fundamentally different approaches that more closely mirror human cognition. This could reshape everything from how tech companies invest research dollars to how educators prepare students for an AI-integrated future. Beyond the Ivory Tower One of the most striking aspects of the Split conference was its blend of academic rigor and practical urgency. Erwann Le Lannou from XTX Markets, the conference's main sponsor, joined Battleday in reflecting on the growing focus of research in startups and industry. This shift represents a significant change in how neuroscience and AI research is conducted and funded. The presence of industry leaders alongside academic researchers created a unique dynamic. While universities traditionally drive basic research, companies are increasingly pushing the boundaries of practical applications. This convergence was evident in the conference's atmosphere, which one attendee described as having "exceptional talent yet a relaxed vibe, allowing people to speak freely with each other and the great minds we attract." The informal interactions may have been just as valuable as the formal presentations. Conference organizers emphasized that "offline discussions are a key part of the conference—that's where the really radical insights are proposed and debated." In the ancient Roman squares of Split's old town, over dinners and walks along the Adriatic coast, participants engaged in the kind of freewheeling intellectual exchange that has historically driven scientific breakthroughs. A toast to the team. Very hard work from a group where everyone is a volunteer (with no former ... More experience in event planning), as well as an academic researcher. A toast to the team. Very hard work from a group where everyone is a volunteer (with no former experience in event planning), as well as an academic researcher. The Stakes of Understanding The conference's timing couldn't be more relevant. As Battleday observes, "Right now, with AI, it feels like we are on the verge of something great or disastrous." The rapid advancement of AI systems, from language models to autonomous vehicles, has created both unprecedented opportunities and existential concerns about the future of human society. The interdisciplinary approach championed by the Split conference offers a potential path forward. By bringing together neuroscientists, AI researchers, mathematicians, and industry practitioners, the event creates space for the kind of cross-pollination that could yield breakthrough insights. Understanding how human intelligence works may be crucial for developing AI systems that are not just powerful, but safe and beneficial. Dr Ida Momennejad from Microsoft Research captured this spirit when she noted, "I think I finally get neuromonster!" – referring to the conference's playful nickname for itself. The comment, made during the conference's Arts Salon where speakers gave poetic renditions of their work, reflects the unique culture that has emerged around this gathering. Looking Forward As the conference concluded with participants toasting their collective efforts and planning for next year's gathering in Rhodes, Greece, the questions raised in Split remain as pressing as ever. The volunteer-run nature of the event – organized entirely by active researchers with no formal event-planning experience – speaks to the genuine passion driving this community. The conference's growth from a small gathering of friends to a major international forum reflects the increasing recognition that the boundaries between neuroscience and AI are not just blurring but becoming irrelevant. As artificial systems become more sophisticated and our understanding of biological intelligence deepens, the questions that matter most are not whether humans or machines are smarter, but how we can harness both forms of intelligence to address the challenges ahead. The conversations that began in Split's Roman squares and continued in the Marjan Hills will likely influence research directions, funding priorities, and technological development for years to come. In a world where the pace of AI advancement shows no signs of slowing, forums like this one may prove essential for ensuring that progress serves humanity's best interests. For now, the researchers who gathered in Croatia are returning to their labs and companies, armed with new insights and connections forged over four days of intense intellectual exchange. The real test of the conference's impact will come not in the papers published or the presentations given, but in the breakthroughs that emerge from the unique intersection of human curiosity and artificial capability that defines our current moment in history.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Putellas and Spain eager to end Germany hoodoo in Women's Euro semi-final
Alexia Putellas and Spain take on Germany in the semi-finals of the Women's Euros on Wednesday (Fabrice COFFRINI) Spain are determined to end a miserable past record against Germany when the sides meet in the last four of the Women's Euro 2025 on Wednesday, with midfield star Alexia Putellas setting her sights on more history for the World Cup holders. "We are really happy to be in this position. We go into the game full of hope and of course with confidence in ourselves," Putellas told reporters in Zurich on the eve of the semi-final clash. Advertisement Having won the World Cup in 2023, Spain are now looking to add a first European Championship title and confirm their status as the dominant side in international women's football. While Spain have never been European champions, Germany have a record eight continental crowns and were the leading force in the women's game in the first decade of this century. "We know Germany are one of the best teams in the world and that it will be very difficult, but we will try to get to our first Euro final first of all -- that would be a big success," said Putellas. Spain have never beaten Germany, notably losing when the teams met in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup and at the last Euros in 2022. Advertisement Germany also came out on top in the bronze medal match at last year's Olympics, but Putellas dismissed suggestions that Wednesday's clash would be about revenge for that. "Personally I see it more as an opportunity for us rather than it being about revenge for the Olympics," said the former Ballon d'Or winner. "The Olympics is a totally different competition. I think we all agree that a Euro or World Cup is a different context altogether so you can't compare them. "But yes we lost against them, and now we have the chance to beat them for the first time." She added: "We know it will be a very difficult game like any semi-final in a major tournament but we are fully motivated to keep advancing and make more history." Advertisement Spain are without centre-back Laia Aleixandri due to suspension, while Sjoeke Nuesken and Kathrin Hendrich are banned for Germany, the latter following her red card in the quarter-final win over France on penalties. Sarai Linder is injured after coming off early on in that game. "Everyone knows what Spain are like. We are going to have to run a lot and suffer a lot because they are going to have more of the ball," admitted Germany coach Christian Wueck. pm-as/nf
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
England and Spain odds on for repeat of World Cup final
Italy and Germany are the outsiders in the semifinals of the Women's Euros. Spain's Alexia Putellas has been in superb form at this year's Euros. Picture: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP The 2025 Women's European Championships has reached its semifinal stage, with reigning champions England still in the hunt after somehow coming through a thrilling quarterfinal with Sweden. England were 2-0 down, and looked on their way out of the competition, but two late goals and a frankly ridiculous penalty shootout victory saw them set up a semifinal on Tuesday against Italy. England head coach Sarina Wiegman made the most of the depth in her squad, bringing Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang off the bench against Sweden. Kelly was inspirational, creating a goal for Lucy Bronze with a superb cross, assisting the second goal too, and firing home a penalty in the shootout. Arsenal's 19 year-old striker Agyemang, meanwhile, pounced to score the vital equaliser to make it 2-2. England are clear favourites to beat Italy in the last four, priced at 1.47 by Betway at the time of writing, with Italy at 5.60 and a draw at 4.20. The Lionesses, however will surely have to perform better than they did against Sweden, as they take on an Italy side that took down Norway in the quarterfinals. Juventus striker Christina Girelli got both goals for Italy against Norway in their 2-1 win, including a last minute winner to send Le Azzure through. Girelli also scored against Portugal in the group stages, and has three of the five goals Italy have scored in the tournament so far. Italy's achievement in reaching the semifinals, just three years after their players were allowed to play professionally in their own country, is remarkable in itself. England, however should have too much quality for them on Tuesday. In the other semifinal on Wednesday, two titans of Women's European football meet as Germany take on Spain. Spain are the reigning world champions, and have swept all before them so far at these Euros. Monserrat Tome's side have scored 19 goals in five matches. Gotham FC's Esther Gonzalez tops the tournament's scoring charts with four goals. Spain and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas is having another fantastic tournament, with three goals and four assists already. With this in mind, it is no surprise Spain are favourites to beat Germany, priced at 1.50 with Germany at 5.20 and a draw at 4.20. Please not that all Betway odds were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Holcim Completes Spin-Off Of Amrize On June 23
AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via ... More Getty Images) On January 28, 2024, Holcim Ltd (OTC US: HCMLY, $23.34, Market Capitalization $66.2 billion), announced the 100% spin-off of Amrize Ltd (NYSE: AMRZ, $51.99, Market Capitalization: $29.5 billion). On 6/23, Holcim completed the tax-free spin-off of Amrize via the distribution of a dividend-in-kind of one Amrize share for every Holcim share owned as of the distribution date of 6/20. Post separation, both companies began trading 'Regular-Way' on 6/23. On the first day of 'Regular-Way' trading, Holcim ADRs opened at $23.15 and closed at $23.34, after trading between $22.70 and $23.57. Shares of AMRZ opened at $51.35 and closed at $51.99, after trading between $48.30 and $56.29 on NYSE, while on SIX Swiss exchange, Amrize shares opened at CHF46.00 and closed at CHF39.31, after trading between CHF39.31 and CHF46.00 (for more information, visit Unlike a typical U.S. domestic spin-off, and to align trading between the Swiss and U.S. markets, there was no 'ex-distribution' trading of Holcim ADRs nor 'when-issued' trading of Amrize shares, prior to the spin-off. Holcim Price Performance Spin-Off Details Following the completion of the Spin-off, Amrize shares are included in the Swiss Performance Index (SPI®) and Swiss Leader Index (SLI®) until at least 9/19 (the implementation date of the annual index review of SIX). Also, post spin-off, Holcim will focus on its Latin America, Europe, Asia Middle East & Africa, and Solutions & Products segments while advancing its leadership in innovative and sustainable building solutions. On the other hand, Amrize will be the leading pure-play building solutions company in the North American region. Valuation and Recommendation We value Holcim using the 2026e EV/EBITDA methodology. Our intrinsic value of $13.50 (Previously: $10.75) per Holcim ADR is based on a 2026e EV/EBITDA multiple of 8.8x (~14.8% premium to the closest peer, Heidelberg's multiple of 7.7x). The assigned premium multiple factors in Holcim's robust product pipeline and the strength of its brand. However, We initiate coverage on HCMLY with a 'Sell' rating and a target price of $13.50, representing a 42.2% downside potential from the current market price of $23.34 as of 6/23. It is worth noting that the current Holcim ADR price has not adjusted for the outgoing value of Amrize, which is likely to be corrected soon. Our fair value estimate for Amrize stands at $60.00 per share (Previously: $66.00) based on a 2026e EV/EBITDA multiple of 10.0x for the Building Materials segment (~6.8% premium to peer multiple of 9.4x) and 13.0x for the Building Envelope segment (~2.2% premium to peer multiple of 12.7x). The assigned multiple factors in a relatively larger business of Amrize as compared to its peers. We initiate coverage on Amrize with a 'Buy' rating with an implied upside of 15.4% from the current market price of $51.99 as on 6/23. AMRZ stock may witness selling pressure in the short-term, however, Amrize's long-term fundamentals remain intact, driven by higher growth prospects and topline driven margin expansion. Key Data HCMLY and Key Data AMRZ Investment ThesisHolcim (Stub) remains well-positioned to profit from macro tailwinds; however, looks fairly valued at current levels Holcim's planned spin-off of its Amrize Ltd (North American business) enables it to capitalize on megatrends such as urbanization, decarbonization, and circular construction. Holcim is one of the market leaders (top 3 position in 90% of the markets) in a highly attractive market with a geographically diversified footprint, which mitigates regional risks like economic downturn, political instability, or natural disasters in specific areas. The company unveiled its 'NextGen Growth 2030' strategy on 3/28, which aims to be the leading partner for sustainable construction, leveraging its sustainability leadership to drive profitable growth, particularly in Europe, Australia, and North Africa, while accelerating expansion in Latin America to capitalize on strong market fundamentals and industrialization trends. A key aspect of the thesis involves a significant strategic shift, achieving a 50%/50% split of net sales (currently: 63%/37%) between Building Materials (cement & aggregates) and high-value Building Envelope (building systems, concrete & surfacing). The company will focus on decarbonization and circular construction as key drivers for future growth and value creation. It is worth noting that post-separation, Holcim is expected to have a total capital deployment capacity of CHF 18-22 billion between 2025 and 2030, along with a healthy balance sheet (FY25e debt leverage of 1.1x and a 2025-2030 target of <1.5x). This capital will be directed towards organic growth, value-accretive M&A, attractive, progressive dividends (50% dividend payout ratio), and opportunistic share buybacks. Although we remain positive on Holcim (Stub), our Sell rating reflects that the stock has priced in the positive triggers, as it has rallied 49.1% since the Amrize spin-off announcement in January 2024. Amrize (Spin-Off) poised to unlock the next growth phase Amrize Ltd. represents a compelling investment opportunity as the largest pure-play building solutions company, focusing exclusively on the high-growth North American market. With over 1,000 operational sites across the U.S. and Canada, Amrize is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the region's $2 trillion annual construction spend across infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors. Notably, Amrize is the number one cement producer in North America, with a cement capacity 1.7x its closest competitor in the region. The Company is working to increase production capacity at existing facilities, such as an additional 660 tons of production at the Ste. Genevieve Plant and the installation of a new clinker line, expanding capacity by ~30% at the St. Constant Plant. Amrize's strategy centers on market-based pricing, operational synergies, and a growth-focused capital allocation plan, supported by robust mineral reserves and a highly efficient logistics network. We believe that Amrize is poised to deliver superior shareholder returns as a standalone entity, with a clear focus on innovation and sustainability. The Company is likely to leverage its scale, agility, and deep market penetration to drive the next phase of profitable growth. Following the spin-off, Amrize is also expected to receive a valuation re-rating, with the market assigning a higher EBITDA multiple to its North American business compared to the rest of Holcim. Valuation1] Holcim: On 3/28, Holcim unveiled a new focused strategy named 'NextGen Growth 2030'. With the new strategy, Holcim (Stub) will leverage its sustainability leadership to deliver profitable growth in Europe, Australia and North Africa while accelerating growth in Latin America to benefit from strong market fundamentals and industrialization trends. Holcim will grow its addressable markets by expanding in high-value Building Solutions, from building systems to high-performance concrete. Notably, to capture NextGen Growth, Holcim RemainCo has set 2030 financial targets, viz. average growth of 3% - 5% in net sales and 6% - 10% in recurring EBIT per annum, average annual cash conversion rate of 50%, and expanding high-value Building Solutions to reach 50% of net sales. EV/EBITDA Valuation: We estimate FY26 EBITDA for Holcim at CHF4.0 billion. Assigning an EV/ EBITDA multiple of 8.8x (~14.8% premium to the closest peer, Heidelberg's multiple of 7.7x), we arrive at an Enterprise value of CHF35.3 billion. Following the cash distribution from SpinCo to Stub at the time of the spin-off, our net debt for Holcim Stub stands at CHF4.04 billion. Our fair value for Holcim stands at CHF54.75 per share ($13.50 per ADR). 2026e EV EBITDA Holcim It is worth noting that the current Holcim ADR price has not adjusted for the outgoing value of Amrize and is likely to be corrected soon. ADR prices can sometimes lag due to liquidity & trading volume differences between ADRs and local shares or market participants waiting for clearer valuation signals. We initiate coverage on HCMLY with a 'Sell' rating and a target price of $13.50, representing a 42.2% downside potential from the current market price of $23.34 as of 6/23. Peers Holcim 2] Amrize: Following the spin-off, Amrize is the largest building solutions company, focusing exclusively on the North American market. Moreover, Amrize presented its medium term (FY25-FY28) financial targets at the Investor Day held on 3/25. In the medium term (which includes bolt-on acquisitions and excludes transformational M&A), Amrize expects revenue to increase at a CAGR of 5% to 8%, adjusted EBITDA growth at a CAGR of 8% to 11%, free Cash flow of over $8 billion, and cash conversion of over 50%. Following the proposed spin-off, Amrize aims to achieve an investment-grade credit rating (with a net leverage ratio of <1.5x), providing financial flexibility to fulfill its growth plans and explore additional growth opportunities. EV/EBITDA Valuation: Post separation, Amrize comprises the Building Materials and Building Envelope segments. Our intrinsic value of $60.00 is based on a 2026e EV/EBITDA multiple of 10.0x for the Building Materials segment (~6.8% premium to peer multiple of 9.4x) and 13.0x for the Building Envelope segment (~2.2% premium to peer multiple of 12.7x). Following the Spin-off, our net debt for Amrize stands at $5.0 billion. Based on EV/EBITDA methodology, our intrinsic value for Amrize stands at $60.00 (Previously: $66.00) per share. We initiate coverage on Amrize with a 'Buy' rating with an implied upside of 15.4% from the current market price of $51.99 as on 6/23. 2026e EV EBITDA Amrize Peers Amrize Company DescriptionHolcim AG Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides building materials and solutions worldwide. The Company was founded in 1833 and was formerly known as LafargeHolcim. However, the Company changed its name to Holcim AG in May 2021. The Company operates through five segments: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa, and Solutions & Products. It provides cement, clinker, and other cementitious materials; ready-mix concrete; aggregates, such as crushed stone, gravel, and sand; and precast, concrete products, asphalts, mortars, roofing systems, insulation systems, tile adhesives, facade solutions, and contracting and services. The Company also engages in distribution and retail activities comprising product availability and deliveries, in-store animation and shopping experience, a one-stop retail shop, digital services and solutions, financing and cash-flow solutions, and waste management services. Its products are used in infrastructure projects, such as tunnels, railways and train stations, airports and ports, and bridges; housing projects, including individual and collective housing; commercial projects comprising offices, retail, and public buildings; and industrial projects consisting of renewable energy, oil and gas, and mining. The Company sells its products under the ECOPact, ECOPlanet, ECOCycle, Airium, DYNAMax, Aggneo, Ductal, Hydromedia, TectorPrint, Aggregate Industries, Disensa, Duro-Last, Elevate, Geocycle, Holcim, Lafarge, Malarkey Roofing Products, and PRB Group brands. In FY24, Holcim reported total sales of CHF26.4 billion. In FY24, Holcim RemainCo reached net sales of CHF16.3 billion, an industry leading recurring EBIT margin of 17.4%, and free cash flow before leases of CHF 2.2 billion. Amrize Ltd Amrize Ltd. is the largest building solutions company focused exclusively on the North American market. With over 1,000 sites and facilities and 19,000 employees across North America, Amrize is the largest provider of cement in the United States and Canada, as measured by sales and production volume, and a leader in advanced roofing and wall systems. Further, Amrize is also strongly positioned in aggregates and ready mix concrete. The Company will have two reportable segments - Building Materials and Building Envelope, which offer customers a broad range of advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. Amrize serves customers across the infrastructure, commercial, and residential construction markets, from new builds to repair and refurbishment (R&R). In FY24, Amrize generated revenues of $11.7 billion, net income of $1.3 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA of $3.2 billion. Organization Structure
eNCA
05-07-2025
- Climate
- eNCA
Meltdown: Swiss glaciers hit annual tipping point weeks early
GENEVA - The snow and ice accumulated last winter by Switzerland's glaciers has already melted away, a monitoring service said, with Friday marking the alarming second-earliest arrival on record of the tipping point known as glacier loss day. All further melting between now and October will see the size of glaciers in the Swiss Alps shrink, according to Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS). This century, the tipping point, on average, has been reached in mid-August -- itself already bad news for the nation's 1,400 glaciers, which are shrinking at a staggering rate. Its arrival several weeks earlier on July 4 is "another alarm call", GLAMOS chief Matthias Huss told AFP. "It's like the glaciers are shouting out: 'We're disappearing. Help us.'" Glaciers in the Swiss Alps began to retreat about 170 years ago. The retreat was initially modest but in recent decades, melting has accelerated significantly as the climate warms. The volume of Swiss glaciers shrank by 38 percent between 2000 and 2024. - Summer of destruction - "If we have a glacier loss day, it means that the glacier is losing mass," said Huss. "For a glacier that is healthy, the day would occur at the end of September, or in October -- or not at all". With no glacier loss day, the summer would simply melt away only the snow that accumulated over the previous winter. This would be "the ideal case -- a glacier in equilibrium with the climate", said Huss. AFP | Fabrice COFFRINI Its arrival on July 4 means that "critically, we have the whole summer left to destroy the ice". "Moving this day forward by five to six weeks before the normal date over the last 20 years means we're just prolonging this mass loss season dramatically," he said. The assessment is made using 12 reference glaciers. Last winter saw low levels of snowfall, and June was the second warmest on record, contributing to the day's early arrival this year. In data going back to 2000, the only time that the tipping point arrived even earlier was in 2022, when it came on June 26. "That was really a game-changer for us glaciologists because it was the first year when we saw absolutely extreme melting. "Everything that we knew before about glacier melting changed," said Huss. Experts thought 2022 was a complete outlier and although a warming climate meant other such years would be coming down the line, they did not expect to see the next very early glacier loss day coming so soon afterwards. - Feedback effect - Huss noted that extreme melting produces an accelerating feedback effect, worsening the situation even further. Once the reflective white snow coverage from winter is gone from the top of the glacier, the darker, more absorbent grey surface of the bare ice is exposed. AFP | Fabrice COFFRINI "With the same amount of solar radiation, we can now melt more ice," Huss said. With the European heatwave over the past week and the possibility of further heatwaves in July and August, "it is very like that again it is a very bad year for Swiss glaciers", he said. Melting glaciers threaten the long-term water security for millions of people downstream who rely on them for fresh water. Much of the water that flows into the Rhine and the Rhone, two of Europe's major rivers, comes from the Alpine glaciers.
