Ar-Rehman

Scientists raise alarm over unusual global patterns and troubling phenomenon which could reshape coastal communities

Glaciers move in mysterious ways, speeding up and slowing down as the seasons change. However, scientists still don't fully understand what natural forces govern their movement. By analysing millions of satellite images from around the world, scientists identified patterns in glacier movement which could predict which areas will experience the most melting as our world continues to warm. Researchers has developed a framework by which to incorporate high-end sea level rise projections into coastal planning decisions. While it's no secret that the gradual rise in our global temperatures is melting Arctic ice sheets and raising sea levels, there is still some uncertainty regarding the actual risk level to coastal infrastructure. As a result, scientists and local policy advisors don't have all the required information or the confidence they need to make decisions when it comes to protecting their communities.

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have done a study, examining how glaciers around the world respond to seasonal temperature changes. Glaciers tend to move faster in the summer and slower in the winter, in sync with temperature fluctuations. This cycle happens every year, but the long-term increase in global temperatures is causing glaciers to shrink year-over-year, contributing to sea level rise. While it doesn't directly address our warming climate or our higher waters, a study aims to help communities safeguard their vulnerable infrastructure as the problem intensifies in the coming decades. The recent framework embraces worst-case scenarios which are plausible, if unlikely. It includes steps to consider cost assessments and risk-management options based on these high-end projections, and involves a "decision-gaming" approach for strategists to incrementally plan for sea level rise over time. According to the study, "The data suggest that future atmospheric warming could amplify and alter the timing of seasonal glacier dynamics worldwide." Rising sea levels from melting glaciers pose a major threat to coastal communities. Nearly 30% of the US population lives near the coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, putting millions of people at risk for flooding during storm surges.

Although current official guidelines recommend that community managers work with 1.9 meters of sea level rise as a worst-case prediction for the year 2100, the new framework, designed by the UK Met Office and the nation's Environment Agency, and backed by up-to-date scientific evidence, suggests that decision-makers should consider prospective scenarios which are even worse. Developing adaptation strategies for sea level rise in coastal areas may be critical to protecting our communities in the near future, but the need for response techniques at all just goes to show that our climate change problem may be worse than we anticipated. Plus, when salty ocean water floods onto coastal agricultural lands or mixes with irrigation water, it can destroy crops and threaten our food supply. Rising ocean waters can also expose people to health risks ranging from contaminated drinking water to harmful parasites. That's not to mention the effects that melting glaciers could have on the wildlife which call them home. Polar bears, for example, are especially vulnerable to Arctic ice melt.

When pollution-heavy human activities trap heat within our atmosphere and drive up temperatures worldwide, our resulting ice melt is only a part of the problem. In reality, higher sea levels also mean increased flooding near the coasts, supercharged hurricanes, and even a greater risk of diseases from ancient microbes released from glaciers. While large-scale research projects and community-wide initiatives regarding coastal infrastructure can help mitigate the damage caused by rising sea levels, it doesn't hurt to take steps of your own to secure your home. If you're worried about flooding in your area, consider switching to clean energy, both to lower your household carbon footprint and to make your home more resilient in the face of power outages. Scientists have come up with some radical ideas for halting glacier melt, including installing giant underwater curtains to prevent them from melting into the ocean. Still, the only way to stop glaciers from melting is to stop burning dirty fuels in favour of cleaner alternatives.

However, there are steps that coastal communities can take to brace themselves for the effects of sea level rise. People can lower their flood risk by making sure their houses are properly elevated, conserving natural flood barriers like sand dunes, and spreading awareness about sea level rise in their communities. Even if you don't live near the coast, you can make a difference by getting informed about climate issues and taking steps to reduce your own consumption of dirty fuels.