Ice Sheet & Glacier Melt

Greenland Ice Loss Since 1972

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Since 1972, Greenland has lost approximately 5,467 gigatons of ice, contributing about 15.2 mm to global sea level rise.

Antarctic Ice Loss Since 1972

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Since 1972, Antarctica has lost approximately 4,890 gigatons of ice, contributing to sea level rise.

Global Glacier Mass Loss

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Since 1970, glaciers worldwide have lost an estimated 27.3 meters of water equivalent in ice mass, with the loss accelerating over recent decades.

Glacier Retreat Over Decades

These comparative images show the dramatic retreat of glaciers over time, with many losing significant portions of their mass and extent in just a few decades.

Canadian Glaciers (2011-2021)

Canadian glaciers have experienced significant retreat in just a decade (2011-2021), highlighting the accelerating pace of ice loss in recent years.

Primary Causes

• Rising Global Temperatures: Due to greenhouse gas emissions, with polar regions warming faster than the global average (Arctic amplification).
• Ocean Warming: Warmer ocean waters melt ice sheets from below, particularly in Antarctica where floating ice shelves are vulnerable.
• Feedback Loops: As ice melts, darker land or water surfaces are exposed, which absorb more solar radiation and accelerate warming (the ice-albedo feedback).

Key Impacts

• Sea Level Rise: Melting ice sheets and glaciers are major contributors to global sea level rise, threatening coastal communities and infrastructure.
• Freshwater Resources: Melting glaciers are vital freshwater sources for millions, but their rapid retreat threatens water security in many regions, particularly in Asia and South America.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in ice cover affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including polar bear habitats, fish populations, and vegetation patterns.
• Ocean Circulation: Freshwater from melting ice can affect ocean circulation patterns, potentially altering climate systems like the Gulf Stream.