Switzerland and Italy redraw part of their border in the Alps due to the melting of glaciers, caused by climate change. Part of the affected area lies below the Matterhorn, one of Europe's highest mountains, and close to a number of popular ski resorts. Large parts of the Swiss-Italian border are defined by glacial ridges or areas of permanent snow. But the melting of the glaciers has caused these natural boundaries to shift, with the result that both countries want to fix their borders. 
Switzerland formally approved the switch agreement on Friday, but Italy has not followed suit. A first discussion and draft agreement was made by a joint Swiss-Italian committee in May 2023.
Statistics published last September showed that Switzerland's glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, the second biggest loss ever after 2022's record melting of 6%.
Every year an annual report is issued by the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (Glamos from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network), which attributed the record losses to consecutive very hot summers and very low snowfall in the winter of 2022. Researchers report that if these weather patterns continue, the thaw will accelerate.
On Friday, Switzerland said the redrawn borders had been determined in accordance with the economic interests of both sides. It is thought that clarifying the boundaries will help both countries determine who is responsible for the maintenance of specific natural areas.
The Swiss-Italian border will change in the area of the Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge and the Gobba di Rollin – all close to the Matterhorn and popular ski resorts including Zermatt.
The exact border changes will be implemented and the agreement will be published once both countries have signed it. Switzerland reports that the approval process for signing the agreement is ongoing in Italy.
