Greenland, Antarctic Ice Sheets Lost 12.5 Trillion Tons Since 1979

Why it matters locally: The significant loss of ice from polar regions contributes to global sea level rise, which could impact Great Lakes water levels and ecosystems relevant to Wisconsin's fishing and shipping industries, though the direct effects on freshwater systems are complex and subject to ongoing research.

Scientists have determined that Greenland and Antarctica collectively lost 12.5 trillion tons of ice between 1979 and 2022. A recent report documented this substantial reduction in ice mass across both polar regions. Researchers identified warmer ocean waters as the primary factor driving this ice loss. These warmer waters eroded the ice sheets from underneath and along their perimeters. Satellite measurements collected over the 43-year period provided the data for the analysis. The findings detail the extent of ice sheet changes on Earth.