Greenland’s recent melting reveals high risk of sea-level rise

THE EDITOR, Madam:

A recent study published in Journal of Science reveals that about 416,000 years ago, a significant portion of Greenland was an ice-free tundra landscape, potentially covered by trees and inhabited by woolly mammoths. This finding overturns the previous belief that the Greenland ice sheet had persisted for millions of years. The research suggests that Greenland may be more vulnerable to human-caused climate change than previously thought, making it susceptible to rapid and irreversible melting in the coming centuries.

1. A new study shows that a substantial portion of Greenland was ice-free approximately 416,000 years ago, during a warming period known as Marine Isotope Stage 11.

2. The melting during this period led to at least five feet of sea-level rise globally.

3. The research indicates that Greenland’s ice sheet may be more sensitive to human-caused climate change than previously understood, posing a grave risk of irreversible melting in the future.

4. The study used a long-lost ice core from a secret US Army base in north western Greenland, providing direct evidence of the ice-free period.

Understanding Greenland’s past melting is crucial for predicting its response to current climate warming and the potential sea-level rise. With approximately 23 feet of sea-level rise locked in Greenland’s ice, the findings raise concerns about the vulnerability of coastal regions worldwide. The study highlights the urgent need to address and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to prevent further melting and sea-level rise.

REV RENALDO MCKENZIE