Different types of sea ice and icebergs off East Antarctica. Photo: NASA Earth Observatory
Antarctica is in meltdown and the world needs to do more or global sea levels may rise by 50m or more, says polar scientists.
The call was made at the end of an emergency summit (the Australian Antarctic Research Conference) which drew 450 of Australia’s top scientists to Hobart on Friday.
“… this region plays a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate and is vital to our future yet (is) often overlooked in public discussion and policy making,” a statement released from the conference says.
“We believe that Antarctic and Southern Ocean science should be central to informing climate policy.”
EARLIER STORY: 450 polar experts meet for urgent talks on Antarctica
The scientists pointed specifically to East Antarctica (“in Australia’s backyard”) as an area of great concern.
“The East Antarctic Ice Sheet alone holds enough water to raise global sea levels by (about) 50 metres if completely melted. Implications for our coastal cities and infrastructure are immense.”
They said that it is in the best interests of the world that researchers understand how much and how fast this ice sheet will change.
“Predicting how much this region will contribute to sea-level rise is critical to the welfare of the global community,” they say.
The scientists point to record-low sea ice, extreme heatwaves exceeding 40° Celsius, above average temperatures and greater instability around ice shelves.
“Runaway ice loss causing rapid and catastrophic sea-level rise is possible within our lifetimes,” they warn.
“Whether such irreversible tipping points have already passed is unknown.”
Two-thirds of conference delegates were from different institutions and disciplines were early-career, often younger, researchers who promised to talk more to industry and government.
“Antarctica’s conservation is Australia’s responsibility and an asset to Australia’s economy and national security,” they say.
“There is a need to remain involved not only in global conservation efforts but also to be a lead agent.
“Efforts to slow down climate change through co-ordinated global action are paramount to protect the future of Australia, Antarctica, and our planet.”
The scientists said the “services” of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica (oceanic carbon sink and planetary air-conditioner) have been taken for granted.
“Global warming-induced shifts observed in the region are immense,” they say.
“Our societies must set and meet targets to ‘bend the carbon curve’ as quickly as possible … every fraction of a degree matters.”
