Glacier Ice Melt
Kartavya Desk Staff
Context: A new study published in Science reveals that glaciers are melting faster than feared, with up to 76% of glacier ice potentially lost if global warming reaches 2.7°C.
About Glacier Ice Melt:
What is Glacier Ice Melt?
• Glacier ice melt refers to the long-term loss of glacier mass due to rising global temperatures.
• Key Findings from the Report: Even at current temperatures, 39% of 2020 glacier ice mass is committed to melting over centuries. If temperatures rise to 2.7°C, only 24% of glacier ice will remain; limiting warming to 1.5°C preserves 54%. Himalayan glaciers (serving 2B+ people) may retain only 25% of ice at 2°C, or 40-45% at 1.5°C. Regions like the Alps and Scandinavia may lose nearly all glaciers at 2°C warming. Ice loss will continue for centuries, even after temperature stabilisation.
• Even at current temperatures, 39% of 2020 glacier ice mass is committed to melting over centuries.
• If temperatures rise to 2.7°C, only 24% of glacier ice will remain; limiting warming to 1.5°C preserves 54%.
• Himalayan glaciers (serving 2B+ people) may retain only 25% of ice at 2°C, or 40-45% at 1.5°C.
• Regions like the Alps and Scandinavia may lose nearly all glaciers at 2°C warming.
• Ice loss will continue for centuries, even after temperature stabilisation.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 1: Geography Climatology, cryosphere changes, glacial landforms Examples: Ngozumpa Glacier in Himalayas, Alpine glacier loss
• Climatology, cryosphere changes, glacial landforms
• Examples: Ngozumpa Glacier in Himalayas, Alpine glacier loss
• GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology Climate change, disaster management, environmental degradation Link with water security, flood risk, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss
• Climate change, disaster management, environmental degradation
• Link with water security, flood risk, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss
• Essay & Ethics Papers Themes on intergenerational justice, sustainability, and planetary responsibility
• Themes on intergenerational justice, sustainability, and planetary responsibility