Greenland’s ice-free past raises concerns about sea level rise

New Fossils in Greenland Suggest Continent’s Vulnerability to Ice Loss and Rising Sea Levels

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey reports for Grist.

In Short:

• Researchers from the University of Vermont have discovered ancient plant and insect fossils in ice core samples from Greenland, indicating that the continent was largely ice-free within the last 1.1 million years.
• The findings suggest that Greenland’s ice sheet, which contains enough water to raise sea levels by 23 feet, could melt more easily than previously thought, as current CO2 levels are at a historical high.
• Experts urge immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, warning that melting the Greenland ice sheet would be irreversible.

Key Quote:

“Most likely, we’re creating a world where these ice sheets are going to melt.”

— Tyler Jones, glaciology researcher at the University of Colorado

Why This Matters:

If Greenland’s ice melts, global sea levels could rise significantly, threatening coastal communities worldwide. Understanding Greenland’s past climate conditions helps scientists predict future changes and highlights the urgency of climate action to mitigate these impacts.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the concerns about future ice loss and rising sea levels due to the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet and the subsequent rise in sea levels can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. This connects to SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article mentions the importance of understanding Greenland’s past climate conditions to predict future changes and highlights the urgency of climate action. This relates to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters

The article emphasizes the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent irreversible melting of Greenland’s ice sheet, which can lead to significant sea-level rise.

Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet can contribute to increased marine pollution, including nutrient pollution and the release of trapped pollutants from the ice. Taking action to prevent ice loss can help minimize these impacts.

Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

The article highlights the importance of understanding past climate conditions and taking climate action to mitigate the impacts of melting ice. This aligns with the target of conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems to ensure their sustainable use.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population

This indicator can measure the impact of climate-related hazards and natural disasters resulting from ice loss and rising sea levels on human populations.

Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density

This indicator can measure the extent of marine pollution, including nutrient pollution and plastic debris, resulting from the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet.

Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area

This indicator can measure the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, which are crucial for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ehn.org