Satellite data shows major ice losses for Greenland and Antarctica

September 16: A recent study using satellite data from 1979 to 2023 reveals that Greenland and Antarctica have lost a staggering 11.3 trillion tons of ice, contributing to a sea-level rise of 1.24 inches (3.14 cm). An international group of polar scientists conducted the research, which is the most comprehensive account of ice loss in the two ice sheets to date.

The findings, published in the journal Scientific Data, provide evidence of the impact of human-induced global climate change on polar ice sheets. Of the total ice loss, about 60% occurred in Greenland and 40% in Antarctica, despite Greenland's smaller size compared to Antarctica. The study also found that ice losses began accelerating in the 1990s and have continued to increase over time.

While there was a temporary slowdown in ice loss between 2020 and 2023, it is likely a short-term variation rather than a reversal of the long-term trend. The majority of the ice loss (84%) came from glaciers accelerating into the ocean due to a warming ocean, rather than surface melting. This ongoing ice loss is a significant driver of global sea-level rise, accounting for about 25% of all sea-level rise.

The study highlights the urgency of developing coastal protection plans to safeguard communities from the potential consequences of sea-level rise, with an estimated 6 to 9 million people at risk of coastal flooding and erosion globally due to ice losses from Greenland and Antarctica.