# Ice Sheet Melt in Greenland plus Antarctica: A Dire Warning for Our Planet

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/ice-sheet-melt-greenland-antarctica-dire-warning-for-our-planet/
- Published: 2023-04-30T13:02:26-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

The melting of the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica is accelerating at a rapid
pace. For that’s according to a new study published in the journal Nature. The study
also found that the ice sheets [are now losing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/arctic-seals-protecting-their-habitat-matters/)
ice at a rate six times faster. I mean than they were in the 1990s. This is a [dire warning](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/major-papers-unevenly-covered-un-warning-of-extinction-plus-global-warming/)
for our planet. The melting ice sheets [cause](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/copeland-400-mile-arctic-journey-to-the-north-pole/)
sea levels to rise by up to three meters (10 feet). This change occur by the end
of this century.

![Ice sheet melt Melting glacier calving into the ocean under golden sunlight in
greenland or antarctica](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2023/04/0BC91017-7F4F-4FFF-8B50-E409FA7BD44A-400x267.png?resize=400%2C267&quality
=50&ssl=1 "0BC91017-7F4F-4FFF-8B50-E409FA7BD44A - The Green Living Guy")

## **The Acceleration of Ice Sheet Melting**

The study, which merged satellite data from four different missions, found that 
Greenland and [Antarctica](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/09/greenland-ice-melt-accelerating/)
lost a total of 6.4 trillion tons of ice between 1992 and 2017. The rate of ice 
loss has been [accelerating](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/copeland-400-mile-arctic-journey-to-the-north-pole/)
over this period. In the 2010s, the ice sheets lost 335 billion tons of ice per 
year. This is compared to 81 billion tons per year in the 1990s. The study also 
found that the melting of the ice sheets is a major contributor to global sea level
rise. It accounts for almost a third of the increase.

### **The Consequences of Rising Sea Levels**

First of all, the [consequences of rising](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/08/ocean-temperature-rise-causes-and-consequences/)
sea levels are far-reaching. Most importantly and catastrophic. Coastal cities and
communities are at risk of [flooding](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/drowning-expert-witnesses-enhancing-water-safety-solutions/).
More surprisingly, low-lying areas will become uninhabitable. Also, the [displacement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/arctic-ecosystem-understanding-its-vital-role/)
of millions of people. For it will also lead to social and economic instability.
I mean the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. This will have devastating effects
on the planet.

#### **The Causes of Ice Sheet Melting**

The melting of the ice sheets is caused by a combination of factors. I mean including
rising global temperatures, warming oceans. Also, changes in atmospheric circulation.
The burning of fossil fuels and other human activities have contributed to the increase
in greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to [global warming](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/07/now-global-warming-is-a-mortal-sin/).

#### **The Urgent Need for Action**

The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for action to tackle the causes 
and consequences of [climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/climate-action-conferences-and-their-impact/).
Governments and individuals must take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They need to invest in renewable energy sources. Additionally, measures should be
implemented to adapt to the impacts of rising sea levels.

**Citations**

 1. Rignot, E., et al. Four decades of [Antarctic Ice](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/nasa-reports-flowing-antarctic-ice-now-mapped-10-times-more-accurately/)
    Sheet mass balance from 1979–2017.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    116.4 (2019): 1095-1103.
 2. ‘Devastating’ melt of Greenland, Antarctic ice sheets found | [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/ice-sheet-greenland-antarctica-melt-climate-49405a4999b1af5e3964781ff72bc59a)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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