Scientists predict a significant glacier meltdown by 2100, transforming landscapes on land and in water, influenced by global pollution. With 10% of Earth's land currently covered by glaciers, a drastic reduction is expected. Urgent action is needed as about 210,000 glaciers, covering 665,000 square kilometers as of 2020, face accelerated melting. Wildlife, including polar bears and penguins, is at risk. Scientists like Sophie Cauvy-Fraunie and Jean-Christophe Clément advocate for swift carbon emission reductions, aiming to save half of the world's glaciers. Designated as the United Nations International Year of Glaciers' Preservation in 2025, the call to protect these vital elements of our planet's climate and biodiversity is urgent.
The looming glacier meltdown by 2100 is a stark call to action. The potential loss of an area equivalent to Iowa and New Mexico underscores the urgency for collective environmental responsibility. It's not just an environmental concern but a personal commitment to advocate for sustainability and contribute to our planet's preservation. The designation of 2025 as the United Nations International Year of Glaciers' Preservation intensifies the sense of urgency, emphasizing the critical role each person plays in shaping a sustainable future.
Original article written by: Kristen Pope
Scientists expect a significant meltdown of glaciers by 2100, comparable to the combined size of Iowa and New Mexico. This melting will create new landscapes on land and in water, depending on how much pollution the world produces. Currently, about 10% of the world's land is covered by glaciers, but this is expected to decrease significantly.
Earth has around 210,000 glaciers, not counting the huge ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, covering about 665,000 square kilometers in 2020. Similar transformations have occurred in the past, such as the end of the Little Ice Age in the mid-19th century. However, the speed at which glaciers are currently melting highlights the urgent need to take action.
Animals like polar bears, penguins, birds, and fish that live in and around glaciers are at risk. Scientists like Sophie Cauvy-Fraunie and Jean-Christophe Clément stress the importance of acting quickly. They suggest that reducing carbon emissions now could save half of the world's glaciers. With 2025 marked as the United Nations International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, the message is clear: we need to act urgently to protect these crucial elements of our planet's climate and biodiversity. In safeguarding glaciers, we not only preserve unique ecosystems but also ensure the survival of species dependent on these icy habitats, making a significant contribution to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.