Ecuador has lost 40% of its glaciers in four decades; The Tri-Color settles for tie against Chile; Tram service is suspended Sunday; Chinese products seized

Since the 1980s, Ecuador has seen more than 40% of its glaciers, a loss that affects the stability of Andean ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Researchers predict that losses will continue as the rate of global heating increases.

Worldwide, Ecuador’s glaciers are the only ones remaining in the equatorial zone. The country’s ice formations are located at more than 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) above sea level and cover such iconic volcanoes Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.

Ecuador’s Mt. Chimborazo i

Researchers say the amount of ice melt varies from mountain to mountain, but all glaciers are receding at a rapid rate.
A 2024 report by the MapBiomas Project, based on satellite technology, revealed that between 1985 and 2023 the national glacier areas was reduced from 8,545 hectares to 5,851 hectares. Another measurement by the Ministry of the Environment taken in January, shows an overall loss of more than 40% of glacier surface area.

The most significant loss is at the Carihuarazo glacier, which has practically disappeared, losing 94% of its original mass. The Iliniza Sur also shows a drastic reduction, 81%, which puts it at risk of extinction in less than 10 years.

Chimborazo, the highest mountain in the country and the closest to the sun as measured from the center of the Earth, has lost more than 30% of its ice cover. Similarly, Cotopaxi, famous as a tourist attraction and for volcanic activity, also registers a decrease of about 30%.

The Cayambe glacier, the only one in the world bisected by the equator, has lost 27% of its ice, according to researchers.

The Ministry of the Environment reports that the loss of glacial ice not only affects plant and animal life, but the water sources of many high-altitude communities.

Ecuador and Chile play to a scoreless tie
Ecuador settled for a goalless draw against Chile Tuesday a night, after a last-minute goal by Enner Valencia was disallowed. The result effectively end Chile’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

While the match did not yield a win, coach Sebastián Beccacece’s Ecuador squad continued its impressive streak since he took command of the team in August. They remain unbeaten in their last seven matches and have given up only five goals in 14 games, the least among all South American teams in the qualifiers.

Despite the draw, Ecuador remains in second place in the South America World Cup qualifier standings and is almost assured a spot in next year’s World Cup competition.

Tram service suspended Sunday
Cuenca’s tranvia will suspend service Sunday, March 30 due to construction work at the intersection of Avs. Gran Colombia and Unidad Nacional. In addition, city crews will remove tree branches at several locations on the tram route that threaten the electrical system.

Regular tram service will resume Monday morning.

Chinese products seized
Ecuador’s National Customs Service seized goods valued at more than $2.5 million over the weekend at the Port of Guayaquil. The customs office reports that three shipping containers were “smuggled” in by Chinese agents who attempted to avoid inspection. Customs added that the goods were counterfeits of named brands and violated international copyright laws.

According to the customs report, most of the shipments were of products manufactured in China, primarily counterfeit clothing, shoes and electronics.