Grim Picture of Polar Ice-Sheet Loss 412
ananyo writes "A global team of researchers has come up with the most accurate estimate yet for melting of the polar ice sheets, ending decades of uncertainty about whether the sheets will melt further or actually gain mass in the face of climate change. The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at an ever-quickening pace. Since 1992, they have contributed 11 millimeters — or one-fifth — of the total global sea-level rise, say the researchers. The two polar regions are now losing mass three times faster than they were 20 years ago, with Greenland alone now shedding ice at about five times the rate observed in the early 1990s. This latest estimate, published this week in Science, draws on up to 32 years of ice-sheet simulations and 20 years of satellite data to give an estimate two to three times more accurate than that in the last IPCC report."
Fingers in ears (Score:5, Funny)
LALALAALAAA we can't hear you.
I for one.. (Score:5, Funny)
I for one look forward to being an island-dwelling overlord...
It's OK (Score:5, Funny)
We have a spare on Mercury.
Oh noes! 11 mm in 20 years! (Score:4, Funny)
Everybody raise their houses by 2cm, quick!
It all makes sense now. (Score:0, Funny)
The polar ice is white, so it must be evil. Just like the anti-white racism towards humans.
Re:A daily unreality (Score:3, Funny)
This is not a new problem. For instance, The Daily Show [thedailyshow.com] described the issue brilliantly almost 2 years ago.
Re:Oh noes! 11 mm in 20 years! (Score:5, Funny)
but to someone looking for a 30+ year real estate investment, and observing this trend of accelerating ocean rise, it will effect property valuations for some coastal property.
I live about 15 miles inland, so raising seas will actually increase my house value because I'll then be able to sell it as having a sea-view! /sarcasm
Re:32 years of simulations? (Score:5, Funny)
Genius. I'll break out the 1000-mile wide scale, you lift greenland onto it.
What's Polar Ice? (Score:3, Funny)
Polar ice is Cartesian ice after a coordinate trasformation.
Re:My prediction for this discussion (Score:4, Funny)
Doctor Manhattan, is that you?
Re:Fingers in ears (Score:2, Funny)
You crackers better get used to it. We are in charge now and you owe us.