The Thwaites Glacier, ominously dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier,” poses a massive threat to coastal communities worldwide as scientists report accelerated melting that could result in a significant sea level rise. Holding enough ice to increase sea levels by two feet, Thwaites also acts as a “cork” to the larger Antarctic ice sheet. If it collapses entirely, sea levels could ultimately rise by around 10 feet, which would devastate major cities like New York and Miami.
Research from the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration indicates that the glacier’s rapid retreat could lead to collapse within the next 200 years. Scientists are pushing for major intervention research now, before the crisis escalates. Suggested solutions include installing “curtains” or barriers on the seabed to deflect warm water away from the glacier, a concept supported by marine geophysicists and the University of Chicago’s research team.
Douglas MacAyeal, a professor involved in the study, remarked that “engineering required might be smaller than you might think,” suggesting that only 50 miles of seabed interventions could make a meaningful impact. However, these solutions will need significant global cooperation, involving experts from numerous fields to ensure a holistic approach.
This international effort would require the participation of governments, scientists, engineers, sociologists, and more, and researchers stress the urgency of starting these efforts now to prevent future, irreversible consequences.
