West Antarctic Ice Sheet Disintegration May Be Underway - UK Report

[hatrack]

The risk of climate change may be far more serious than previously thought, according to a new British report based on government-sponsored research into global warming. The report raises fears that an Antarctic ice sheet is melting, which could lead to sea levels rising by five metres.

It also warns of large-scale irreversible disruption if temperatures rise above three degrees Celsius, well within the range of climate change projections for the century. The report, released in a book, ‘Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change’, collates evidence presented by scientists at a conference hosted by the UK Meteorological Office at Exeter last February.

EDIT

The book publishes an announcement from the head of the British Antarctic Survey, Professor Chris Rapley, that the huge West Antarctic Ice Sheet may be starting to disintegrate. Scientists believe the event would raise sea levels around the world by five metres.

In the book, Professor Rapley says a previous report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) dismissing worries about the ice sheet's stability had to be revised. He said "The last IPCC report characterised Antarctica as a slumbering giant in terms of climate change. I would say it is now an awakened giant. There is real concern."

EDIT/END

http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=127086®ion=3

Including additional link:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18002634%255E30417,00.html

Game, set, match.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x40531

[stepnw1f]

1. According to Right Wingers Global Warming is Nonsense

So while they feed corporate greed and big polluters we all die. Will they need their money in hell? Because from what I have heard from them, is money can't buy you a ticket to Heaven.

[hatrack]

2. Sinking like a stone, as always

Toodles.

[pitohui]

3. it is sinking like a stone because what is to be done?

apparently in the uk it is felt we are past the tipping point and what will be will be

in that case, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof

tell me something i can do to change this, i already don't commute to work, raise some of my own food etc. ride a bike etc. but it clearly won't -- can't -- make a difference if a billion indians and a billion chinese are sick of raising their own chickens and taking their bike to work

where i have nothing to contribute but my negativity, i like to avoid comment, however, since this story is huge and important i'll give it a bump

but if it's too late, it's too late, you know? and that's prob. why more people don't discuss

hopelessness is rarely a good way to call people to action

[fed-up]

4. I thank you for your posts, I always read them and wonder how many news

stories it will take before people/administration really understand the gravity of the effect that our (collective) lifestyles have on our environment.

Please keep posting because this needs to be hammered into people's heads.

If we don't take individual responsibility for the impact of our actions and wait for the government to regulate everything we will forever alter our children's future.