^(WWF)
By: Brendan Boyd
March 25th, 2024
Estimated Read Time: 3-5 minutes
Few changes are as rapid and destructive as the melting of glaciers and the ensuing development of post-glacial ecosystems, as the globe struggles with the major effects of human-caused climate change. Glaciers are large thick masses of ice formed by compressed snow, they’re present on land and take centuries to form, playing a major role in keeping the planet cool and maintaining the temperature balance of the Earth. This is explained in the research article “Future emergence of new ecosystems caused by glacial retreat” by J.B. Bosson et al., which examines the emergence of new freshwater and ocean ecosystems that may contribute to an increase in sea level by the year 2100 as a result of the melting glaciers outside of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. The results of the study show how critical it is to enhance mitigation methods for climate change while simultaneously protecting the social and ecological effects of human-caused glacier melting. The paper also looked to apply a Global Glacial Evolution Model (GLOGEM), this model tool looks to combine data containing information regarding the following; glacial outlines/shapes, the ground beneath them, and climate data to anticipate the characteristics of these glaciers as they retreat gradually from the effects of climate change until the period of 2100.
^Figure 1: Glacier melting and the emergence of post-glacial melting ecosystems
According to the article’s research, the area of glaciers outside of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets would shrink by 22%–51% by the year 2100, based on research findings and climate projections. The upcoming ecosystems can emerge in these regions where glaciers once were, these areas are expected to range from extreme to mild climate conditions. This offers a refuge for species that are conditioned to cold climates or benefiting animals and plants that can thrive in climatically diverse areas. As these glaciers begin to diminish, we can expect to see new types of landscapes emerge in these polar and mountainous regions. Furthermore, we can be witnessing distinct ecosystems evolving in the area such as lakes, rivers, marine and land-based habitats (Figure 1). With consideration for the effects of climate change, the study employed the GLOGEM model to generate preliminary estimates for the size, shape, and temperature of these future deglaciated zones. The analysis found that less than half of the glaciers are protected, according to the report, which highlights the critical need to preserve these ecosystems for the sake of the area’s future.
Overall, the study gives a well-rounded investigation into the possible creation of new ecosystems as a result of glacial retreat, highlighting the necessity of acting quickly to both slow down climate change, and save these ecosystems. This highlights the need for further research to fight back against emerging post-glacial ecosystems and the threats it poses to freshwater scarcity, decline in species, and climate change.
References:
Bosson, J.B., Huss, M., Cauvy-Fraunié, S. et al. Future emergence of new ecosystems caused by glacial retreat. Nature 620, 562–569 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06302-2
Hancock, L. (n.d.-b). Why are glaciers and sea ice melting?. WWF. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/why-are-glaciers-and-sea-ice-melting#:~:text=What%20happens%20in%20these%20places,where%20and%20when%20fish%20spawn
environmental change @ western 