The ability of the snow-and ice-covered tops of mountains to help regulate the Earth's climate will be altered by global warming.

As temperatures rise, the snow and ice on mountains will melt, reducing their albedo (reflectivity) and exposing more dark-colored surfaces that absorb heat. This will lead to a positive feedback loop, causing further warming and more melting. Additionally, the loss of mountain glaciers and snowpack will reduce the availability of freshwater for downstream ecosystems and human communities.