Complete collapse of the ice sheet would lead to a sea level rise of more than 3 meters.
Scientists from the Australian National University have determined that the long-term increase of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is weakening the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The risk of its complete and irreversible collapse is growing, which could have repercussions for the entire world.
The consequences of such a scenario would be catastrophic. According to expert forecasts, the collapse of the ice sheet would lead to a global sea level rise of more than three meters. This threatens the flooding of numerous coastal cities and settlements around the world.
Large parts of the Netherlands, as well as Venice in Italy, Montpellier in France, and Gdańsk in Poland would be at risk. New Orleans, parts of the U.S. state of Florida, several cities and parts of London in the UK are also in the danger zone, writes the Daily Mail.
Researchers point to an alarming chain reaction of events. The reduction in sea ice area makes Antarctica’s shelf glaciers more vulnerable to destruction by waves. The disappearance of ice from the ocean surface leads to the water absorbing more solar heat, intensifying warming in the region. The slowdown of deep ocean circulation indicates that Antarctica is more sensitive to climate change than previously thought.
Changes could soon become irreversible, including the loss of ice shelves that serve as strategic supports for the ice sheet, preventing it from sliding into the ocean.
“Rapid changes are already being observed in Antarctica’s ice, oceans, and ecosystems, and they will intensify with every further increase in global temperature,” notes Dr. Nerilie Abram.
The study’s co-author, Professor Matthew England, warns of the devastating consequences of these events for wildlife. The melting of sea ice deprives emperor penguins of the stable habitat necessary for raising their chicks. There are already instances of entire colonies dying and repeated breeding failures.
Scientists insist that the only way to avoid the worst-case scenario is to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to limit global warming to within 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
