Scientists monitoring the Thwaites Glacier, often called the “Doomsday Glacier,” have unveiled troubling findings about its future. Since 2018, the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) has studied this massive Antarctic glacier, concluding that its eventual collapse is likely within 200 years. If this occurs, global sea levels could rise by over two feet.
Thwaites, already retreating for over 80 years, has shown accelerated melting in the past three decades. The glacier’s retreat is expected to speed up within the next century due to factors that are still under-researched. Alarmingly, saltwater intrusion beneath its base has been discovered. High tides lift the glacier, allowing warm ocean water to seep in, leading to rapid melting.
At 75 miles wide and covering an area larger than Florida, Thwaites already contributes 4% of the current global sea level rise. Recent studies suggest its complete collapse might not happen until the 23rd century, slightly later than earlier projections. However, this delay is no reason for complacency. The glacier’s meltdown could initiate a chain reaction, triggering the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, potentially raising sea levels by over ten feet and threatening coastal communities worldwide.
However, immediate and sustained climate action can help mitigate this disaster. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the intrusion of warm ocean water could slow the glacier’s retreat. While the latest models predict ongoing ice loss through the 22nd century, a united global effort offers a chance to avert the worst outcomes.
The Thwaites Glacier’s fate underscores the urgent need for climate intervention. While the timeline for its collapse provides a small window of opportunity, inaction could result in catastrophic consequences. Protecting the Antarctic ice and stabilizing the planet’s climate must remain a global priority.
By addressing climate change today, we can slow the rate of melting and secure a better future for generations to come.
Reference- National Geographic, International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, Futurism, Clean Technica, /ScienceAdviser, British Antarctic Survey