Sea levels are rising swiftly, and the impact is staggering. For every foot of rise, about 100 million people may lose their homes. Current estimates suggest that around 300 million people could be displaced in the coming decades, leading to significant social and political challenges as these individuals move inland. Alarmingly, global forecasts on sea level rise are still lacking, and investment in understanding how to slow this trend has been minimal.
While it’s crucial to cut greenhouse gas emissions, we need to go further. Scientists are now treating glacial ice as a system we can study and protect, rather than an immovable force. This change in perspective could lead to better predictions about ice behavior and its impact on sea levels.
The primary culprits behind rising sea levels are melting glaciers, especially those in warmer ocean waters. The Thwaites Glacier in west Antarctica, often dubbed the “doomsday glacier,” poses a severe threat. If it continues to collapse, it could drive up sea levels by more than six feet, displacing hundreds of millions of people in our children’s lifetimes. Even the best efforts to reduce carbon emissions may not prevent this collapse.
Despite this gloomy scenario, we have tools at our disposal. Years of research, combined with technology like satellite radar and robot submarines, allows us to study glaciers and predict their behavior more accurately. For instance, the Kamb ice stream in Antarctica froze to its base around 200 years ago and has since stopped flowing. This phenomenon shows how glaciers can stabilize themselves under certain conditions, offering insight into potential solutions for others facing collapse.
One proposed method to reinforce glaciers involves installing heat pumps at their base to cool them. While these strategies are still in the concept phase, they could eventually help stabilize glaciers like Thwaites.
Funding for glacier research has been limited. Recently, the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration invested about $7 million yearly, a major commitment, but still dwarfed by the billions lost to coastal flooding annually. The need for more substantial and continuous funding is evident.
As scientists working on glacier studies, we have shifted from merely observing the melting ice to seeking proactive solutions. It’s vital to merge emissions reduction with innovative research on ways to slow sea-level rise.
We face a reality of rising sea levels, which will have serious consequences for future generations. However, acknowledging this reality isn’t the same as accepting it. Now is the time to explore responsible options to address the situation. If we can find new solutions, we will protect coastlines and ensure stable seas for the future.
Dr. Brent Minchew, co-founder of the Arête Glacier Initiative, and Dr. Colin Meyer, deputy scientist at the same initiative, lead these efforts to address the impending challenges of sea-level rise by enhancing our understanding and response capabilities.
For more on related advancements, check out this article.
