Greenland's Icy Past: A Chilling Reminder of Climate Change

The story of Greenland keeps getting greener – and scarier. A new study provides direct evidence that the center of the island's ice sheet melted away in the recent geological past, revealing a green, tundra landscape.

The Evidence

A team of scientists re-examined a few inches of sediment from the bottom of a two-mile-deep ice core extracted at the very center of Greenland in 1993. They were amazed to discover soil that contained willow wood, insect parts, fungi, and a poppy seed in pristine condition.

"These fossils are beautiful," says Paul Bierman, a scientist at the University of Vermont who co-led the new study, "but, yes, we go from bad to worse," in what this implies about the impact of human-caused climate change on the melting of the Greenland ice sheet.

A Warning for the Future

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, confirms that Greenland's ice melted and the island greened during a prior warm period likely within the last million years. This suggests that the giant ice sheet is more fragile than scientists had realized until the last few years.

"And probably for many thousands of years," Bierman said, enough time for soil to form and an ecosystem to take root.

The Consequences of Climate Change

Sea level today is rising more than an inch each decade. "And it's getting faster and faster," said Bierman. It is likely to be several feet higher by the end of this century, when today's children are grandparents.

If the release of greenhouse gases – from burning fossil fuels – is not radically reduced, he said, the near complete melting of Greenland's ice over the next centuries to a few millennia would lead to some 23 feet of sea level rise.

"Look at Boston, New York, Miami, Mumbai or pick your coastal city around the world, and add twenty plus feet of sea level," said Bierman. "It goes underwater. Don't buy a beach house."

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this study reveal about Greenland's past?

This study provides direct evidence that the center of Greenland's ice sheet melted away in the recent geological past, revealing a green, tundra landscape.

What are the implications of this study for climate change?

This study suggests that the giant ice sheet is more fragile than scientists had realized until the last few years, and that human-caused climate change could lead to the near complete melting of Greenland's ice over the next centuries to a few millennia.

What can be done to prevent the worst effects of climate change?

To prevent the worst effects of climate change, it is essential to radically reduce the release of greenhouse gases – from burning fossil fuels – and transition to renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

The story of Greenland's icy past serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change. As the planet continues to warm, it is essential to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the worst effects of climate change.