New research shows global ice has left its safe zone
Scientists published findings in Science on Thursday stating that rising temperatures have pushed the world's cryosphere outside its stable operating space.
Ice conditions slip away fast
New research published in Science on Thursday shows that conditions keeping ice and snow stable are slipping due to fossil fuel burning. Researchers examined shifts in polar sea ice, land ice, mountain glaciers, permafrost, and snow cover during the last 12 millennia. Results indicate an accelerating and partly irreversible loss of cryospheric integrity across these frozen regions. The group determined that Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels have dropped below their established safety limit.
Risks extend beyond melting ice
Snow cover and the area of permafrost have also crossed dangerous boundaries while land ice remains on the brink. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet holds enough ice to raise sea levels by 11 feet if it declines irreversibly. Permafrost contains trillions of tons of carbon dioxide that could accelerate warming if degraded. Albert Noström from the Stockholm Resilience Center notes that odds of triggering Earth system tipping points are rising as temperatures climb.
Proposed interventions face big hurdles
The most direct method for preventing the cryosphere from moving beyond its comfortable range is by reducing emissions. Scientists have already draped glaciers in the Alps with blankets during summer to prevent melting. Other researchers are exploring techniques to pump cold sea water to protect ice sheets. Dipping outside the safe operating space does not mean immediate catastrophic events but signals growing danger.
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