Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate
The world’s glaciers have been melting rapidly for decades. This has never been seen before. This information has been revealed in a new study by an international team of researchers.
Researchers have warned that glaciers could melt more quickly than anticipated, potentially causing higher sea levels. A research report on this was published in the journal *Nature* recently.
The research report says that the rate of glacier melting has increased significantly in the past decade. Compared to the rate at which glaciers melted between 2000 and 2011, about 36 per cent more ice melted between 2012 and 2023.
Scientists say that such events are happening more frequently in areas with small glaciers. If this continues, these glaciers may disappear within this century.
Michael Zemp, a University of Zurich professor and co-author of a research report, stated that sea levels will rise more than previously expected by the end of the century.
The professor also expressed concern that the loss of glaciers could affect the supply of fresh water in Central Asia and the central Andes.
Researchers say that in total, 5 per cent of glaciers have melted this century. However, the rate of melting varies depending on the region, such as 2 per cent of glaciers melting. And up to 40 per cent has melted in the European Alps.
Scientists estimate that 273 billion tons of ice melt annually, equivalent to the water usage of the entire world’s population over 30 years.
The study was conducted by the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), the University of Edinburgh, and Earthwave.
Professor Martin Sigert of the University of Exeter described the results of the study as “worrying”. Because it indicates further loss of glaciers.
The study will examine how the ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland are reacting to global warming.
Martin Sigert said that the ice sheets are losing more and more which is six times what it was 30 years ago. Gemp believes that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to save the world’s glaciers.
