What is the Franz Josef Glacier and why is it significant?

The Franz Josef Glacier is a 12 km long glacier located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Franz Josef Glacier is significant for several reasons. First, it is one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into a temperate rainforest, making for a unique and stunning landscape. Second, it is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, with an average speed of around 50 cm per day. This means that the glacier is constantly changing and provides a dynamic and exciting experience for visitors.

However, the Franz Josef Glacier is also significant because of the impact of climate change. The glacier has been retreating rapidly over the past few decades, losing around 800 meters in length since the 1800s. This retreat is a stark reminder of the effects of climate change and serves as a warning of the need for action to mitigate its impact.