A study of satellite images found that an estimated 11,000 square miles of Greenland’s ice sheet and glaciers have melted over the past 30 years, giving way
Global warming is turning Greenland green.
Parts of Greenland’s ice sheet and glaciers that melted over the past three decades have been replaced by wetlands, shrub vegetation and areas of barren rock, according to a new study that used satellite images to track changes since the 1980s.
The findings, published Tuesday in the journal Scientific Reports, raise concerns about how Greenland’s retreating ice could threaten the stability of the landscape, exacerbate rising sea levels and contribute further greenhouse gas emissions in areas that have turned into methane-producing wetlands.
Greenland is often considered “ground zero” for the climate crisis because even small shifts in temperature can have outsize impacts across the entire Arctic region — and around the world. Scientists have estimated that if the Greenland ice sheet were to melt completely, it could raise global sea levels by more than 23 feet.
Still not exactly a giant golf course, though. This is the view from my brother’s place in Greenland yesterday:
Wow that looks so beautiful!
Yeah, it’s a gorgeous country! I visited him there a few years ago when he was still living there full time, was a great trip!
As I can’t stand heat and don’t mind the cold, I should visit as well! It’s on my bucket list now :)
Ok, what’s your brother do out in Greenland?
He teaches economics. He does it via Zoom from home in Denmark most of the year, but still goes back to Greenland for a couple of weeks or 3 a few times a year.
That’s pretty neat.