Antarctic Ice Loss and Its Impact on Global Sea Levels

Historical Context and Comparisons

• Past Ice Ages: During the last ice age, sea levels were significantly lower due to the large ice sheets covering much of the Earth’s surface.
• Current Trends: Ice losses from Antarctica have tripled since 2012, contributing to a faster rise in sea levels than in the past 25 years.

Factors Contributing to Antarctic Ice Loss

• Global Warming: Rising global temperatures are causing the ice sheets to melt at an accelerated rate.
• Oceanic Changes: Warmer ocean currents erode the ice from below, destabilising ice shelves.
• Ice Shelf Collapse: The collapse of ice shelves, such as the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is a significant factor.

Implications for Global Sea Levels

• Sea Level Rise: The complete melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) could raise global sea levels by approximately 58 meters.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising sea levels will lead to increased coastal flooding, affecting millions of people living in coastal regions.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in sea levels can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity.

Way Forward

• Reducing Emissions: To slow down the rate of ice loss, it is crucial to reduce global carbon emissions.
• Coastal Defences: Building and strengthening coastal defences can help protect vulnerable regions from the impacts of rising sea levels.
• International Cooperation: Global cooperation is essential to address the challenges of climate change and implement effective mitigation strategies

Author: Arjun Kr. Paul