Greenland has lost 20% more ice than previously thought: study

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

Context:

Climate change has caused Greenland’s ice sheet to lose 20% more ice than previously thought, according to research published that used satellite imagery to track the retreat of glaciers over the past four decades.

Reasons for Melting:

About 80% of thinning of ice can be attributed to weather-related factors such as winds that break up and move the ice around.
The remaining 20% can be attributed to longer-term thinning of the ice due to global warming.

Impact of Melting Arctic Ice:

Global Climate: The glaciers act like the world’s refrigerator. Since they are covered in white snow and ice that reflect heat back into space (Albedo effect), they balance out other parts of the world that absorb heat.
Coastal Communities: Global average sea level has risen by about 7-8 inches since 1900, and it’s getting worse. Rising seas endanger coastal cities and small island nations by exacerbating coastal flooding and storm surge.
Food Security: Polar vortexes, increased heat waves, and unpredictability of weather caused by ice loss are already causing significant damage to crops on which global food systems depend.
Permafrost & Global Warming: Permafrost in the Arctic region (ground that is permanently frozen) stores large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Biodiversity Threat: Melting of the ice puts the region’s vibrant biodiversity under serious threat.