Doomsday Glacier: Scientists Warn of Accelerating Melting and Sea-level Rise

Thwaites Glacier (a glacier larger than the entire state of Florida) also termed as Doomsday Glacier, Located in West Antarctica, is Melting at unprecedented rates. It contributes around 4% of annual sea-level rise globally, losing roughly 50 billion tons of ice each year due to warm ocean currents. Experts warn if the melting continued it could destabilize the entire west Antarctic Ice Sheet, potentially causing sea levels to rise by up to 10 feet, which would have catastrophic impacts on coastal communities.

Geoengineering Solutions

In response, scientists are investigating geoengineering techniques. Some scientists are turning to glacial geoengineering—the process of using technology and infrastructure to slow or stop glacier retreat even as global temperatures increase—as a potential solution. These measures aim to slow the glacier’s retreat, providing more time to address climate change. John Moore, a professor with the Arctic Center at the University of Lapland, explained the necessity of starting this work now to UChicago News, saying, “it will take 15 to 30 years for us to understand enough to recommend or rule out any [glacier geoengineering] interventions,” meaning they must start immediately to be prepared.

Controversy Over Geoengineering

While promising, geoengineering solutions are divisive. Critics argue that focusing on these methods may detract from the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. Some climate experts stress that geoengineering should be a last resort, emphasizing that cutting emissions remains the most effective approach to prevent drastic climate impacts.

Urgent Climate Action Needed

As Thwaites Glacier approaches a tipping point, scientists emphasize the importance of combined approaches: pursuing innovative research on glacier protection while accelerating efforts to reduce global emissions. As Wagner a climate economist in the Columbia Climate School stated, “When we talk about glacial geoengineering, we need to tell the truth, which is that it’s not a solution to climate change—at best, it’s a painkiller. It allows us to get out of bed and do what is necessary to address the underlying illness while taking the edge off the worst of the pain. [But] geoengineering doesn’t solve anything, so we need to use the time it gives us to address emissions.”