This Greenland Ice Sheet According to a recently published study, it is on track to melt four times faster than at any stage in the last 12,000 years. New research highlights how extreme estimated damage can be in this century – and rejects the idea that current melting is part of the natural cycle.
In a new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature, researchers said they use ice sheet modeling in conjunction with satellite data and fieldwork to understand Greenland’s ice sheet’s past, present and future. They called the current predictions for the ice sheet, which lost Record amount of ice Last year, “Extreme and Unusual.”
“Basically, we’ve changed our planet so much that the rate of melting of ice sheets in this century is faster than anything we’ve seen under the natural variability of ice sheets over the last 12,000 years.” Jason Briner from the University of Buffalo College Legend of Arts Sciences said in a news release. “If we don’t seriously reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we’ll throw it out of the water.”
Bob Wilder / University at Buffalo
According to the study, the rate of ice mass loss at the end of the last ice age can be compared to the losses between 2000 and 2018: about 6.1 billion metric tons per century. Future mass losses could be catastrophic – between 8..8 billion metric tons and .935..9 billion metric tons – depending on the level of greenhouse gas emissions.
In the best case scenario, with a large reduction in emissions, the ice loss will be slightly higher than it was 12,000 years ago, Briner said. But at the current rate of emissions, it’s likely to be about four times higher – the researchers said.
Jason Briner
The researchers said the current rate of melting from ice sheets is similar to that experienced during the recent ice age collapse – when the rate of melting would be expected much faster. But now, the planet is on the verge of surpassing the global average surface temperature of that time by the end of the century.
The scientists who conducted the study believe that the current melting rate is not natural. They warn that the only solution to the current situation is a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the near future.
Co-author of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Dr. “It’s no secret that the Greenland ice sheet is in rough shape and is losing ice at an increasing rate,” said Nicholas Young. “But if someone wants to drill holes in this, they simply ask, ‘How do you know this is not part of the natural variability of the ice sheet?’ Well, what our study suggests is that the rate of ice loss in this century will exceed the rate of ice loss in any century in the last 12,000 years. I think this is the first time in the current health of the Greenland ice sheet. “
Greenland is currently the largest contributor to sea level rise – having enough stagnant water to raise sea levels by at least 20 feet – Antarctica is not far behind. As the sea level rises, Sea storms Becomes more intense and devastating, meaning that coastal cities and towns will either need to build strong flood defenses or retreat to the hinterland altogether.
The Arctic is almost warm Three times The rate of the rest of the planet makes it the fastest temperature-giving region on Earth. On the hottest summer record in the Northern Hemisphere, the Arctic’s largest remaining ice shelf, the 42-mile area of Neogallffordesforden, Broke off and disintegrated Near Greenland earlier this month.
Researchers urge world leaders to slow down and reduce the melting of ice sheets Sea level rise.
“Our findings are yet another wake-up call, especially for countries like the US,” Briner said. “Americans use more per capita than any other nation in the world. Our nation has produced more COAs that live in the environment today than any other country.”
“Americans need an energy diet,” he added. “The wealthiest Americans, who have the most energy impressions, can make lifestyle changes, fly less, install solar panels and drive an energy-efficient vehicle.”
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