Research has revealed significant glacier and ice cap loss in Greenland, beginning in the early 20th century. The study indicates that these changes have contributed to about one-fifth of global sea-level rise over the last decade. By analyzing historical data, scientists identified 5,327 glaciers at the end of the Little Ice Age in 1900; by 2001, this number had increased to 5,467 as glaciers fragmented. The research indicates that Greenland has lost at least 587 km³ of ice over the past century, equating to a 1.38-millimeter rise in sea levels. The melt rate from 2000 to 2019 was three times higher than the long-term average since 1900. Lead author Dr. Jonathan L. Carrivick emphasized the broader impacts, including changes in North Atlantic circulation, European climate patterns, and effects on the local economy and marine ecosystems. Predictions suggest Greenland’s glaciers could lose 19% to 28% of their volume by 2100. This study draws on over 100 years of data, contributing vital insights for climate change mitigation efforts and improving forecasting for global sea-level rise.
