Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Greenland and Antarctica Ice Loss Exceeds 12 Trillion Tons in 50 Years

Over the past five decades, Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice, primarily due to glaciers flowing faster into the ocean, according to a new study.

Researchers compiled 42 satellite surveys from 1972/1979 to 2023, revealing 84% of ice loss stemmed from increased glacier outflow, with the rest from surface melting.

This loss has raised global sea levels by over one inch and accelerated in recent decades, linked to climate change.

Ice loss rates quadrupled; Greenland went from 66 billion tons/year (1980s) to 291 billion tons/year (2010s).

Antarctica's loss rose from 53 billion tons/year (1980s) to 223 billion tons/year (2010s).

A temporary slowdown occurred 2020-2023 due to snowfall and milder summers, but scientists note this is a lull in a broader trend.

The 1.2-inch sea level rise from this ice loss puts millions at risk of coastal flooding.

The study highlights ice sheets' role in sea-level rise, vital for protecting coastal communities.

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