evidence: Climate change has also significantly impacted Chilean glaciers. Gonzalo Navarro, a PhD candidate in energy, water, and the environment at Chile’s Universidad de la Serena commented: "Just like all ice bodies in the world, glaciers in Chile have been strongly affected by climate change. However, this impact has shown to be enhanced due to human activities related to [a] decrease in albedo, mainly due to particulate material coming from urban centers and [the] mining industry." He added: "A new law on glacier protection is needed for the preservation of all cryoforms in Chile (glaciers and permafrost)" to ensure their environmental functions as short-term and long-term water reserves. Chilean glaciers cover an area of approximately 23,700 square kilometers, according to a 2017 inventory. This comprises roughly 82% of all the glaciers in South America. The defeat of a constitutional initiative that would have protected them leaves not only Chile, but the entire continent in a more precarious position. However, the strong commitment of those who have worked to conserve glaciers raises hopes for future actions to promote sustainability and to secure robust legal protections for glaciated environments.