Is it too late to save Greenland’s shrinking ice sheet? - BBC World Service

Summary

The script discusses the alarming impact of climate change on Greenland's ice, which has doubled its meltwater in 50 years. It warns of a minimum 27cm sea level rise by Greenland, affecting critical infrastructure and intensifying storm surges. Half a meter of sea level rise is projected by the century's end from small glaciers, displacing populations near coasts. Despite Greenland nearing a critical threshold, reducing fossil fuel emissions could slow ice sheet loss, though changes are inevitable.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Meltwater in Greenland has doubled in the past 50 years, indicating significant climate change impacts.
• ⏱️ Irrespective of future emission scenarios, Greenland is projected to contribute at least 27cm to global sea level rise.
• 🏭 Infrastructure, especially that near coastlines, is at risk due to the potential sea level rise.
• 🌪️ Storm surges, exacerbated by sea level rise, pose an immediate and escalating threat, both destructive and costly.
• ⛷️ Small glaciers and ice caps are expected to contribute about half a meter to sea level by the end of the century.
• 🌍 A large portion of the global population resides within a few meters of sea level, making them vulnerable to rising waters.
• 🏔️ Greenland is nearing or has surpassed its threshold of viability due to climate change, suggesting a long-term decline.
• 🔥 Reducing fossil fuel consumption can help slow down the loss of the Greenland ice sheet, although some changes are inevitable.
• ⏳ While the changes in Greenland are not immediate, they will occur over time, necessitating adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• 🌱 The script highlights the urgency of addressing climate change to preserve the Greenland ice sheet and protect coastal communities.

Q & A

What is the observed change in the amount of meltwater in Greenland over the last 50 years?

The amount of meltwater in Greenland has doubled in the last 50 years.

How does the rate of ice melting in Greenland affect sea level rise?

Greenland's melting ice contributes to sea level rise, with a minimum commitment of 27cm, regardless of future emission scenarios.

What is the significance of a 27cm sea level rise?

A 27cm sea level rise may not sound significant, but it can impact a vast amount of infrastructure and pose a threat from storm surges.

How are storm surges expected to change with sea level rise?

Storm surges will become an immediate problem with sea level rise, potentially causing destructive and costly impacts.

What is the estimated contribution to sea level rise from small glaciers and ice caps by the end of the century?

Small glaciers and ice caps are expected to contribute about half a meter to sea level rise by the end of the century.

What percentage of the world's population is at risk due to living close to sea level?

A significant portion of the world's population lives within a meter or two meters of sea level, making them vulnerable to rising sea levels.

What does the term 'threshold of viability' mean in the context of Greenland?

The 'threshold of viability' refers to the point at which Greenland's ice sheet may no longer be able to recover, suggesting it is nearing or has passed this point.

Is the situation in Greenland expected to change rapidly?

While Greenland is near its threshold of viability, the changes are not expected to happen immediately; they will occur over a long period.

What can be done to mitigate the loss of the Greenland ice sheet?

Reducing fossil fuel burning can help save more of the ice sheet, although it is acknowledged that the ice sheet will still be smaller and different.

How does the script suggest the future of Greenland's ice sheet?

The script suggests that Greenland's ice sheet will continue to shrink and change, regardless of efforts to reduce emissions.