Antarctic Ice Loss: Inevitable Rapid Melt and Rising Sea Levels

Research indicates that accelerated ice melt in west Antarctica is inevitable for the rest of the century, regardless of carbon emissions reductions. The implications for sea level rise are dire, with the potential for coastal cities to be abandoned. Even if the most ambitious Paris agreement target is met, the rate of melting in the Amundsen Sea will be three times faster this century compared to the previous century. The loss of floating ice shelves will lead to the rapid sliding of glacial ice sheets into the ocean, resulting in significant sea level rise. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and mitigate the impacts of climate change.