Arctic ice shrinks 14% in a year

Noteworthy news, Technology and science 1 Minute

New studies from NASA (JPL) and elsewhere show a 14% reduction in perennial (ie. survives the summer) Arctic ice in just one year, from 2004 to 2005. Supercomputer models had suggested that the ice (and, incidentally, polar bears as a species) would all be gone by 2070, but this is far faster even than those predictions.

This might be a good time to turn off a light, or take your bike to work tomorrow. Just a thought.

Published by Paul Cook

Published

3 thoughts on “Arctic ice shrinks 14% in a year”

  1. And elsewhere in the doom-book:
    http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19125713.300-one-degree-and-were-done-for.html

    Another 1 degree rise in global temperature and they reckon the effect will become completely run-away….

    I wonder what the people in 200 years are going to have to say about us. I’m sure kids will sit in their classrooms laughing at our silliness at how we were so stupid to have done so much damage. At least I hope they will be able to sit and laugh!

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  2. Yes, me too! It looks like it’s starting to grow as an issue people are aware of, but far too slowly. And though Europe has the emissions trading scheme now, without the US government’s involvement, it’s not going to have a huge effect. One for the history books indeed!

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  3. Declines in sea ice, glaciers and other critical bodies of ice and snow are having a devastating effect on the world’s oceanic and polar ecosystems. How critical is this problem and how can we be better stewards of the world’s oceans?

    Dive into a live panel discussion with an impressive group of expert environmentalists. Afteward, enjoy a top-notch musical perfomance. RSVP today >>

    This Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Pacific) , an exciting group of leading environmentalists will come together to answer your questions. Discuss the importance of the world’s oceans and the effect that climate change is having on polar and oceanic ecosystems!

    When: 7 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Pacific, 19:00 GMT-5), Sat., June 9
    Where: Your home computer
    How: Login details will be sent via email after you RSVP

    The panelist of experts includes:

    Edward James Begley, Jr. (Moderator): Emmy Award nominated actor and environmentalist.
    Philippe Cousteau: President of EarthEcho International, son of Jan and Philippe Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
    Dr. Noel Brown: President of Friends of the United Nations. Previously, he served as the Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), North American regional office.
    Dr. Paul Boyle: Founder of The Ocean Project.
    Dr. Frank Muller-Karger: Professor of Biological Oceanography in the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida and director of the Institute for Marine Remote Sensing (IMaRS).
    Dr. Vladimir Golitsyn: Past Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.
    Mark your calendar for a free online chat about declining ice and rising ocean levels >> http://go.care2.com/e/saeP/jycF/qpIq

    After the discussion, Kristin Hoffmann and Robert Anthony Aviles will delight us with their top-notch musical talent. Robert Aviles is one of the world’s few 7-string electric violinists. Whether performing solo or in his band, Insight, Aviles’ public performances receive rave reviews from critics. And Kristen will weave her vocals through tales of life’s many journeys over classically-inspired piano and guitar parts.

    This is the final presentation in a fascinating four-part series of online events celebrating the United Nations International Days 2007. We look forward to chatting with you on June 9!

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