Japan’s Vanishing Ice Ridge Sparks Climate Concerns

Lake Suwa in central Japan has long experienced the Miwatari, a sacred ice ridge believed to be the trail of a god. However, the phenomenon has not appeared in seven consecutive winters, a worrying sign attributed to climate change. Records of the Miwatari date back to 1443, making it one of the world’s longest-running natural archives. Locals, including Shinto priest Kiyoshi Miyasaka, continue to check the lake each winter, fearing the disappearance of the Miwatari signals environmental imbalance. The story reflects both deep cultural tradition and a modern climate warning.

Source: NYTimes