Bakit kailangan mag-alala ng mga Pinoy sa pagkatunaw ng yelo sa mundo? | Need To Know

Summary

The script discusses the global cryosphere's role in cooling the Earth and its rapid melting due to climate change. It emphasizes the impact on sea levels, affecting countries like the Philippines, with potential rises of up to 58 meters. The script also touches on the effects on water resources, weather, and marine life, urging collective action to combat climate change to secure a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• ❄️ 10% of the world is covered in ice, with significant concentrations in the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Himalayas.
• 💧 68% of the world's freshwater is stored in ice, which is crucial for water supply, especially in the Himalayan region.
• 🌍 The cryosphere, including ice and snow, acts as a natural 'mirror' reflecting sunlight and helping to regulate the Earth's temperature.
• 🌬️ The melting of ice due to climate change, exacerbated by fossil fuel use and deforestation, is causing rapid changes in the cryosphere.
• 🌊 If all mountain glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica were to melt, global sea levels could rise significantly, with potential increases of up to 58 meters.
• 🏞️ The loss of Antarctic sea ice is disrupting ocean currents, which are vital for maintaining the Earth's climate balance.
• 🏙️ The Philippines, being an archipelago, is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, with localized impacts already being observed.
• 📈 The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) in the Philippines is monitoring sea level rise and its effects on coastal areas.
• 🐳 The melting cryosphere affects not only sea levels but also the habitats and migration patterns of marine species, impacting ecosystems.
• ⚠️ Failure to address climate change could lead to the sixth mass extinction and the depletion of natural resources, emphasizing the urgency of global climate action.

Q & A

What percentage of the world is covered in ice?

10% of the world is covered in ice.

Where are most of the glaciers and sea ice found?

Most of the glaciers and sea ice are found in countries within the Arctic Circle like Svalbard in Norway and Greenland, and in the Antarctic region at the South Pole, as well as in the Himalayan region.

What percentage of freshwater is stocked in glaciers and ice?

68% of freshwater is stocked in glaciers and ice.

How does the cryosphere ecosystem help the world?

The cryosphere ecosystem, which includes snow, glaciers, and sea ice, acts like a mirror in space, reflecting sunlight and helping to keep the world cool.

Why are the white surfaces of ice important for the Earth's temperature?

The white surfaces of ice are important because they reflect the heat from the sun, acting as the best natural air conditioning on Earth.

What are the consequences of the rapid melting of the cryosphere?

The rapid melting of the cryosphere can lead to rising sea levels worldwide, which can result in submersion of low-lying areas and impact ocean currents.

How much could sea levels rise if all mountain glaciers disappeared?

If all mountain glaciers were to disappear, sea levels around the world would increase by about 40 centimeters.

What would be the impact on global sea levels if Greenland's ice were to melt completely?

If Greenland were to disappear, sea levels around the world would increase by six to seven meters.

What is the significance of the decrease in Antarctic sea ice?

The decrease in Antarctic sea ice is significant because it impacts ocean circulation around the world, as the big ocean currents need sea ice in the polar regions to function properly.

How does the melting of ice affect the Philippines, especially in terms of sea level rise?

The melting of ice contributes to sea level rise, which is already being felt deeply in the Philippines, with localized sea level rise being monitored in areas such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

What is the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) doing to monitor sea level rise in the Philippines?

NAMRIA is gathering data on sea level rise through 60 tide stations operating across different parts of the country, with 13 stations observing a continuous rise in water levels.

How does the melting cryosphere impact ocean species and their habitats?

The melting cryosphere impacts ocean species by altering water salinity and temperature, which can directly affect species that are specific to certain ecological niches and may not have time to adapt to these rapid changes.

What is the potential future consequence if climate change continues to worsen?

If climate change continues to worsen and human use of fossil fuels does not change, it could lead to the sixth mass extinction or depletion of natural resources.