The Earth’s cryosphere, encompassing glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost, acts as a giant thermostat, reflecting sunlight and regulating global temperatures. The vast ocean, intricately linked to the cryosphere, plays a crucial role in moderating climate by absorbing heat and storing immense amounts of carbon dioxide. However, a warming planet is disrupting this delicate balance, with alarming consequences for both the cryosphere and the ocean. This blog post delves into the interconnected threats posed by climate change, highlighting the urgency of mitigating its impact.

The Cryosphere’s Melting Act: Technical Reports and Data

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Sixth Assessment Report provides a comprehensive scientific assessment of the current state of the cryosphere. Key findings include:

• A dramatic decline in Arctic sea ice extent since 1979, with the September sea ice minimum declining by 13.5% per decade relative to 1981-2000 levels.
• Mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet has tripled since the 1990s, and the rate of ice loss from Antarctica has increased six-fold since the 1980s.
• Permafrost thaw is accelerating, particularly in the Arctic, with significant releases of methane observed.

These findings are corroborated by data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which maintains a network of monitoring stations that track changes in glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost. For example, NOAA data shows that the average thickness of Arctic sea ice has declined by 40% since the 1980s.

Rising Seas: A Growing Threat

Sea level rise (SLR) is a major consequence of a diminishing cryosphere. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report projects a global mean sea level rise of 0.2-0.6 meters by 2065 compared to 1900, with even higher rises possible under high-emission scenarios. This SLR will be driven by the continued melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of the oceans as they absorb heat.

Vulnerability on the Horizon: Island Nations and Coastal Megacities

The social and economic consequences of SLR are particularly severe for low-lying island nations and coastal megacities. A 2019 study by The Ocean Foundation found that SLR could inundate up to 50% of the land area of some Pacific Island nations by the end of the century, displacing millions of people and causing widespread economic devastation. Coastal megacities are also at high risk from SLR, with storm surges and flooding threatening critical infrastructure and property.

The World Bank estimates that SLR could cost coastal cities around the world $1 trillion per year by 2050 in damages to infrastructure and property. Businesses in these cities face a range of risks from SLR, including disruption of supply chains, loss of property and productivity, and increased flood insurance costs.

The Interconnected Challenge: From Cryosphere to Ocean Health

Melting glaciers not only contribute to rising sea levels but also disrupt ocean salinity and circulation patterns. Freshwater influx alters ocean density, potentially impacting the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a system of currents that transports heat around the planet. Changes in ocean circulation can disrupt marine ecosystems, impacting fisheries and the food chains they support.

Furthermore, increased freshwater input can exacerbate ocean acidification, a phenomenon caused by excess atmospheric CO2 dissolving in the oceans. Ocean acidification threatens marine organisms with calcified shells and skeletons, such as corals and shellfish, which are critical to the health of marine ecosystems.

Mitigating Risk Through Technological Advancements

Decarbonization Strategies: Businesses that prioritize low-carbon technologies and invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also benefit from cost efficiencies and improved energy security. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies offer a promising avenue for capturing and sequestering existing CO2 emissions, requiring businesses to invest in developing and deploying these technologies at scale.

Adaptation Through Infrastructure Innovation

The need for coastal protection necessitates advancements in flood defense infrastructure. Businesses with expertise in materials science and hydraulic engineering can develop innovative solutions like advanced seawalls, storm surge barriers, and submersible infrastructure. Additionally, investments in coastal erosion management techniques, such as dredging and sediment renourishment, will be crucial.

Government Regulations and Market Mechanisms

Governments can incentivize low-carbon business practices through carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade schemes. Additionally, tax breaks for renewable energy investments and subsidies for CCUS technology development can accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach for a Sustainable Future

By fostering collaboration between businesses, governments, and scientific institutions, we can develop and deploy the technical solutions needed to address the cryosphere’s melt and protect the ocean. This collective effort will not only safeguard coastal communities and ecosystems but also generate new economic opportunities in a low-carbon future. The time to invest in research, development, and implementation is now. By taking decisive action with a focus on technical advancements and sound policy frameworks, we can avert disaster and secure a more sustainable future for all.

Credits

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) https://www.ipcc.ch/ 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) https://www.noaa.gov/

The Ocean Foundation https://oceanfdn.org/