The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet due to rising global temperatures and carbon emissions is accelerating, with dire consequences for coastal regions around the world. Recent articles in prominent scientific journals have warned that we’re already halfway towards a potential tipping point. If we pass this benchmark, it will become impossible to prevent a rise in sea levels of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Carbon Emissions Leading to Melting of Greenland Ice Sheet
The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet would lead to catastrophic consequences globally, affecting coastal areas and cities worldwide by causing floods, seawater intrusion, saltwater contamination, and erosion. The release of thousands of gigatons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere is playing a significant role in exacerbating this problem. Scientists have predicted that if carbon levels continue to increase, it may cause irreversible damage.
Two Tipping Points Identified
To better understand just when the point-of-no-return could be reached, researchers used simulations to identify two tipping points for the Greenland Ice Sheet. One occurs once 1,000 gigatons of carbon have been released into the atmosphere, leading to southern portions melting. The second tipping point determines that after 2,500 gigatons of carbon are released in total, most of the ice sheet would irreversibly be lost. Humanity has already released over 500 gigatons of carbon so far — meaning we’re well on our way towards crossing this threshold.
The Complexity of Measuring the Greenland Ice Sheet’s Melting
The methodologies used in previous studies have been questioned and found to be overly simplistic and unrealistic, affecting their accuracy at determining when we may reach certain crucial tipping points. Measuring the melting process is highly complex as it takes an extended time and is not continuous- which makes predictions of related occurrences difficult.
Greenland’s Ice Sheet Melting Not Occurring in the Near Future
The process of melting the whole Greenland ice sheet would take years to occur – but once significant melting commences, further loss becomes hard to stop. The tipping point is not far from current climate conditions – and we’re in danger of crossing it. Research studies have found the amount of carbon that needs to be released into the atmosphere- and if we go beyond that, it will lead to the near-complete destruction of the ice sheet.
Avoiding Carbon Emissions is the Most Effective Manner
Humanity has been responsible for over 500 gigatons of carbon emissions; more people must commit to reducing their carbon footprint significantly. Some people consider using artificial carbon dioxide removal technologies as a possibility. However, it’s not worth pursuing since the technology doesn’t exist yet to avoid catastrophic events. Avoiding carbon emissions is much easier than capturing carbon after artificially producing them.
In Conclusion
If nothing significant changes, it is more likely than not that large coastal cities worldwide will encounter serious problems due to rapidly rising sea levels over the next few decades. The urgency for individuals and policy-makers alike to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and other sources has never been more critical. This matter requires a concerted effort by all citizens worldwide to ensure we protect our future generations and leave behind a livable planet.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
