Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have revealed that global warming has caused the glaciers in Greenland to melt at a rate five times faster than in the past two decades. This is a significant concern because if the entire ice sheet were to melt, it would raise sea levels by at least 20 feet (6 meters).
The researchers conducted a study of a thousand glaciers in Greenland and found that the rate of melting has entered a new phase in the last 20 years. Anders Anker Bjork, an assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen, stated that there is a clear correlation between rising temperatures and the accelerated melting of glaciers.
Through satellite imagery and analysis of 200,000 old photos, scientists concluded that the glaciers now decrease by an average of 25 meters annually, compared to 5-6 meters two decades ago. This data highlights the alarming rate at which the glaciers are melting.
The Greenland ice sheet is crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on the region. William Colgan, a senior researcher at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), explained that if glaciers are losing mass at a much faster rate than in the past century, it suggests that the ice sheet will eventually follow the same path, albeit on a slower timescale.
Jørgen Eivind Olesen, the Institute Director of the Climate Institute at Aarhus University, emphasized that reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally is essential to combatting the melting of glaciers. He believes that we must prepare for the continued acceleration of glacier melting.
It is worth noting that the world has already experienced a temperature increase of nearly 1.2°C (2.2°F) above pre-industrial levels. Scientists from the European Union predict that 2023 will likely be the warmest year in the past 125,000 years.
The Greenland ice sheet and glaciers have contributed significantly to the rise in sea levels. Between 2006 and 2018, the ice sheet contributed 17.3% of the observed sea level rise, while glaciers contributed 21%. Greenland is home to approximately 22,000 glaciers.
In conclusion, the findings from the University of Copenhagen highlight the alarming rate at which glaciers in Greenland are melting due to global warming. This has significant implications for rising sea levels and underscores the urgent need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
