Climate change, in tandem with pollution caused by humans, has increased the pace of melting of ice sheets in Greenland. But a new study points to much grim consequences of this consistent melting.

In 2012, unusually high temperatures melted a vast part of Greenland’s ice sheet. Now its consequences are coming to light. Turns out, the massive event left a dent in the sheet’s ability to absorb and store future meltwater.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greenland-glaciers-melting-of-ice-caps-driven-by-wind-shift-ocean-currents-343916/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new study published in the journal Nature Communications saw authors from the US' University of Stanford using advanced modelling techniques. They also took into account data collected from NASA’s Operation IceBridge between 2012-17 to understand the rate of melting.

Authors believe this proves how a single event could have long-lasting effects on frozen places on planet Earth. In addition, they also claim that this could trickle down to cause major change in sea levels across the globe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-discover-plants-buried-deep-beneath-greenlands-ice-sheet-what-does-this-mean-370824" hreflang="en">Scientists discover plants buried deep beneath Greenland's ice sheet. What does this mean?</a>

The Arctic region witnessed a rare and strong heatwave in summer 2012 turning frozen ice sheets in the region to lakes.

In usual circumstances, ice sheets can store meltwater through their upper regions (about 50 metres), preventing it from going into ocean. But the heatwave in 2012 had refrozen the melted water into a layer of ice, which in turn created slippery conditions speeding up the movement of the sheet which could eventually cause it to collapse into the ocean.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/greenlands-largest-glaciers-likely-to-melt-faster-than-feared-study-343852" hreflang="en">Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study</a>

Researchers also noted that in some parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the melt layer had reduced the storage capacity to just five metres.

Climate change, in tandem with pollution caused by humans, has increased the pace of melting of ice sheets in Greenland. But a new study points to much grim consequences of this consistent melting.

Climate change, in tandem with pollution caused by humans, has increased the pace of melting of ice sheets in Greenland. But a new study points to much grim consequences of this consistent melting. In 2012, unusually high temperatures melted a vast part of Greenland’s ice sheet. Now its consequences are coming to light. Turns out, the massive event left a dent in the sheet’s ability to absorb and store future meltwater. The new study published in the journal Nature Communications saw authors from the US' University of Stanford using advanced modelling techniques. They also took into account data collected from NASA’s Operation IceBridge between 2012-17 to understand the rate of melting. Authors believe this proves how a single event could have long-lasting effects on frozen places on planet Earth. In addition, they also claim that this could trickle down to cause major change in sea levels across the globe. Also read: Scientists discover plants buried deep beneath Greenland's ice sheet. What does this mean? The Arctic region witnessed a rare and strong heatwave in summer 2012 turning frozen ice sheets in the region to lakes. In usual circumstances, ice sheets can store meltwater through their upper regions (about 50 metres), preventing it from going into ocean. But the heatwave in 2012 had refrozen the melted water into a layer of ice, which in turn created slippery conditions speeding up the movement of the sheet which could eventually cause it to collapse into the ocean. Also read: Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study Researchers also noted that in some parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the melt layer had reduced the storage capacity to just five metres.

Rare melting event reduced Greenland's ice sheet storage capacity, study reveals

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit&nbsp;Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources.

Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent&nbsp;of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of votes, according to official results.

The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;gained home rule from Denmark in 1979.

Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium.

"The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen."

Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in&nbsp;Greenland."

While most&nbsp;Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns.

"It's not that&nbsp;Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development."

CHALLENGES AHEAD

The island of 56,000 people, which former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy.

Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project.

Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing.

The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources.

Greenland&nbsp;Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election.

"This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed.

"The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades. Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources. Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26 per cent in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29 per cent of votes, according to official results. The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979. Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium. "The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen." Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in Greenland." While most Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns. "It's not that Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development." CHALLENGES AHEAD The island of 56,000 people, which former US President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy. Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project. Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder Greenland Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing. The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources. Greenland Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election. "This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed. "The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that Greenland is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Left-wing party wins Greenland election, opposes Arctic mining project

Scientists recently found plants beneath ice in Greenland, essentially rewriting what we know about previous warming periods in Earth's history. The discovery of plants beneath ice reveals that the region underwent melting at a scale similar to what's happening right now.

Within the last million years, the region underwent melting, similar to what we have done to the planet, or as scientists call it - climate change.

The plants which were discovered recently have a long history though. A group of US Army scientists drilled down ice in northwestern Greenland in 1966. They then extracted a long tube of dirt from the bottom.

Lost in a freezer for decades, the tube was rediscovered in 2017. Soon after in 2019, University of Vermont’s scientist Andrew Christ observed the remains closely under a microscope and found that twigs and leaves were growing in the tube, as opposed to just sand and rock.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pentagon-wants-to-develop-ready-to-use-jetpacks-for-us-defence-forces-370796" hreflang="en">Pentagon wants to develop ready-to-use jetpacks for US defence forces</a>

Through this, Christ ascertained that greenery and vegetation have thrived in Greenland in the past, perhaps caused by warming cycles like the one happening right now.

With a team of scientists led by Joerg Schaefer from Columbia University, along with University of Copenhagen’s Dorthe Dahl-Jense, and Paul Bierman at UVM, it was found that most, if not all, of Greenland was green within the last million years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-gigantic-stars-from-the-past-hold-secrets-to-black-holes-scientists-say-so-370499" hreflang="en">Do gigantic stars from the past hold secrets to black holes? Scientists say so!</a>

It is possible that greenery flourished in Greenland even in the last few hundred-thousand years. Christ referred to the remains in the discovery as a “time capsule”, and a sneak-peek into what used to live on Greenland.

This discovery could help scientists understand climate change, and how Greenland will respond to global warming in the near future. It could also help scientists predict how long it would take for the ice to melt.

Scientists recently found plants beneath ice in Greenland, essentially rewriting what we know about previous warming periods in Earth's history. The discovery of plants beneath ice reveals that the region underwent melting at a scale similar to what's happening right now.

Scientists recently found plants beneath ice in Greenland, essentially rewriting what we know about previous warming periods in Earth's history. The discovery of plants beneath ice reveals that the region underwent melting at a scale similar to what's happening right now. Within the last million years, the region underwent melting, similar to what we have done to the planet, or as scientists call it - climate change. The plants which were discovered recently have a long history though. A group of US Army scientists drilled down ice in northwestern Greenland in 1966. They then extracted a long tube of dirt from the bottom. Lost in a freezer for decades, the tube was rediscovered in 2017. Soon after in 2019, University of Vermont’s scientist Andrew Christ observed the remains closely under a microscope and found that twigs and leaves were growing in the tube, as opposed to just sand and rock. Also read: Pentagon wants to develop ready-to-use jetpacks for US defence forces Through this, Christ ascertained that greenery and vegetation have thrived in Greenland in the past, perhaps caused by warming cycles like the one happening right now. With a team of scientists led by Joerg Schaefer from Columbia University, along with University of Copenhagen’s Dorthe Dahl-Jense, and Paul Bierman at UVM, it was found that most, if not all, of Greenland was green within the last million years. Also read: Do gigantic stars from the past hold secrets to black holes? Scientists say so! It is possible that greenery flourished in Greenland even in the last few hundred-thousand years. Christ referred to the remains in the discovery as a “time capsule”, and a sneak-peek into what used to live on Greenland. This discovery could help scientists understand climate change, and how Greenland will respond to global warming in the near future. It could also help scientists predict how long it would take for the ice to melt.

Scientists discover plants buried deep beneath Greenland's ice sheet. What does this mean?

The ice melt has already contributed more than eight millimetres to global sea levels

Greenland glaciers: Melting of ice caps driven by wind shift, ocean currents

The three largest glaciers in Greenland — which hold enough frozen water to lift global sea levels some 1.3 metres — could melt faster than even the worst-case warming predictions, research published Tuesday showed.

Until 2000, the main driver of sea level rise was melting glaciers and the expansion of ocean water as it warms.

But over the last two decades, the world's ice sheets atop Greenland and Antarctica have become the single largest source of sea level rise.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820" hreflang="en">Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

A team of researchers based in Denmark and Britain used historical images and a host of other data to estimate how much ice had been lost from Greenland's Jakobshavn Isbrae, Kangerlussuaq Glacier and Helheim Glaciers in the 20th century.

They found that Jakobshavn Isbrae lost more than 1.5 trillion tonnes of ice between 1880-2012, while Kangerlussuaq and Helheim lost 1.4 trillion and 31 billion tonnes from 1900–2012, respectively.&nbsp;

The ice melt has already contributed more than eight millimetres to global sea levels, the researchers wrote.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/could-listening-to-the-deep-sea-help-save-it-343549" hreflang="en">Could listening to the deep sea help save it?</a>

Shfaqat Abbas Khan, a researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, said using photographs taken before the satellite era was another tool to help recreate the last century's ice loss.

"Historical measurements over the 19th and 20th century may hide important information that can significantly improve our future projections," he told AFP.

The UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, has forecast sea level rise from all sources of between 30-110 centimetres by 2100, depending on emissions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unusual-electron-to-reveal-insight-into-dark-matter-space-time-mysteries-343473" hreflang="en">Unusual 'electron' to reveal insight into dark matter, space-time mysteries</a>

Under the IPCC's high emissions pathway, known as RCP8.5, nothing is done to curb carbon pollution throughout the 21st century, leading to a climate more than 3C hotter than pre-Industrial levels.

Models ran under RCP8.5 for the three glaciers featured in Tuesday's study predict a sea-level rise of 9.1–14.9mm by 2100.

But the paper, published in Nature Communications, pointed out that the high-emissions pathway temperature increase was more than four times larger than during the 20th century when the three glaciers already added 8mm to seas.

"The worst-case scenario is underestimated. Ice loss may be anywhere from three or four times larger than previous predicted for the thee glaciers considered in this study," said Khan.

A Nature study published in September found that if greenhouse gas emissions continued unabated, ice sheets in Greenland will shed some 36 trillion tonnes this century, enough to lift the global waterline some 10 centimetres.

The three largest glaciers in Greenland — which hold enough frozen water to lift global sea levels some 1.3 metres — could melt faster than even the worst-case warming predictions, research published Tuesday showed.

The three largest glaciers in Greenland — which hold enough frozen water to lift global sea levels some 1.3 metres — could melt faster than even the worst-case warming predictions, research published Tuesday showed. Until 2000, the main driver of sea level rise was melting glaciers and the expansion of ocean water as it warms. But over the last two decades, the world's ice sheets atop Greenland and Antarctica have become the single largest source of sea level rise. Also read| Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists A team of researchers based in Denmark and Britain used historical images and a host of other data to estimate how much ice had been lost from Greenland's Jakobshavn Isbrae, Kangerlussuaq Glacier and Helheim Glaciers in the 20th century. They found that Jakobshavn Isbrae lost more than 1.5 trillion tonnes of ice between 1880-2012, while Kangerlussuaq and Helheim lost 1.4 trillion and 31 billion tonnes from 1900–2012, respectively. The ice melt has already contributed more than eight millimetres to global sea levels, the researchers wrote. Also read| Could listening to the deep sea help save it? Shfaqat Abbas Khan, a researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, said using photographs taken before the satellite era was another tool to help recreate the last century's ice loss. "Historical measurements over the 19th and 20th century may hide important information that can significantly improve our future projections," he told AFP. The UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, has forecast sea level rise from all sources of between 30-110 centimetres by 2100, depending on emissions. Also read| Unusual 'electron' to reveal insight into dark matter, space-time mysteries Under the IPCC's high emissions pathway, known as RCP8.5, nothing is done to curb carbon pollution throughout the 21st century, leading to a climate more than 3C hotter than pre-Industrial levels. Models ran under RCP8.5 for the three glaciers featured in Tuesday's study predict a sea-level rise of 9.1–14.9mm by 2100. But the paper, published in Nature Communications, pointed out that the high-emissions pathway temperature increase was more than four times larger than during the 20th century when the three glaciers already added 8mm to seas. "The worst-case scenario is underestimated. Ice loss may be anywhere from three or four times larger than previous predicted for the thee glaciers considered in this study," said Khan. A Nature study published in September found that if greenhouse gas emissions continued unabated, ice sheets in Greenland will shed some 36 trillion tonnes this century, enough to lift the global waterline some 10 centimetres.

Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study

When Donald Trump said he wanted to buy Greenland, he wasn't kidding. Countries have bought, sold, leased many a time in the past. Can such deals be struck in today's time? Can your country be sold for cash or gold? Palki Sharma has the answer on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Selling your country for cash

Ice loss from Greenland's massive ice sheet will cause sea levels to rise more during the 21st century than they have during any 100-year period in the last 12,000 years, even if global warming is held in check, scientists said Wednesday.

The study -- based on ice core data and models and published in the journal Nature -- is the first to painstakingly reconstruct Greenland's ice loss record over the entire course of the Holocene, the geological epoch that has allowed civilisation to flourish.

It found that if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, the kilometres-thick ice block will shed some 36 trillion tonnes of mass from 2000 to 2100, enough to lift the global ocean waterline by 10 centimetres.

Until the late 1990s, Greenland's ice sheet was roughly in balance, gaining as much mass through snowfall as it lost in summer from crumbling glaciers and melt-off.

But accelerating climate change has destroyed that balance, with the net loss flowing into the north Atlantic.

The northern hemisphere's only ice sheet ultimately holds enough frozen water to raise seas by seven metres.

If it were to pass a temperature "tipping point" into irreversible decline -- a threshold that could be as low as two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels -- the ice sheet would likely take thousands of years to melt away, scientists say.

But even in the short term, increases in sea level measured in tens of centimetres will devastate coastal communities around the world.

Areas currently home to 300 million people -- mostly in poorer nations -- will be vulnerable by 2050 to regular flooding from storm surges, earlier research has shown.

- 'Course correction needed -

Last year, Greenland cast off more than 500 billion tonnes of ice and meltwater -- 40 percent of total sea level rise in 2019 and the most in a single year since satellite records began in 1978.

Unless humanity dramatically ratchets down the carbon pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, such levels could become the "new normal", said lead author Jason Briner, a professor of geology at the University of Buffalo in New York.

"No matter what the future carbon emissions are going to be, the Greenland ice sheet will lose more ice this century than even during the warmest of times during the past 12,000 years," he told AFP.

"But it also gives me hope to know that humanity has a say in the future of Greenland and global sea levels."

The first single, continuous record of Greenland's ice sheet loss took five years to assemble and required the combined efforts of ice core scientists, climate modellers, remote sensing experts and palaeoclimate researchers.

The 12,000-year timeline makes it possible to better separate natural fluctuations in the ice block's mass balance with the impact of manmade climate change.

Capping global warming at under two degrees Celsius -- the cornerstone target of the 2015 Paris Agreement -- would limit Greenland's contribution to sea level rise at about two centimetres this century, the study found.

But under any scenario, the ocean waterline will continue to rise in the 22nd century and beyond.

"No doubt we will see impactful sea level rise this century," Briner said. "But without a course correction now, the next century's sea level rise could be life-changing for much of the globe."

Until 2000, the main driver of sea level rise was melting glaciers and the expansion of ocean water as it warms.

But over the last two decades, the world's ice sheets atop Greenland and Antarctica have become the single largest source of sea level rise.

The UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, has forecast sea level rise from all sources of just under a metre by century's end.

Ice loss from Greenland's massive ice sheet will cause sea levels to rise more during the 21st century than they have during any 100-year period in the last 12,000 years, even if global warming is held in check, scientists said Wednesday.

Ice loss from Greenland's massive ice sheet will cause sea levels to rise more during the 21st century than they have during any 100-year period in the last 12,000 years, even if global warming is held in check, scientists said Wednesday. The study -- based on ice core data and models and published in the journal Nature -- is the first to painstakingly reconstruct Greenland's ice loss record over the entire course of the Holocene, the geological epoch that has allowed civilisation to flourish. It found that if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, the kilometres-thick ice block will shed some 36 trillion tonnes of mass from 2000 to 2100, enough to lift the global ocean waterline by 10 centimetres. Until the late 1990s, Greenland's ice sheet was roughly in balance, gaining as much mass through snowfall as it lost in summer from crumbling glaciers and melt-off. But accelerating climate change has destroyed that balance, with the net loss flowing into the north Atlantic. The northern hemisphere's only ice sheet ultimately holds enough frozen water to raise seas by seven metres. If it were to pass a temperature "tipping point" into irreversible decline -- a threshold that could be as low as two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels -- the ice sheet would likely take thousands of years to melt away, scientists say. But even in the short term, increases in sea level measured in tens of centimetres will devastate coastal communities around the world. Areas currently home to 300 million people -- mostly in poorer nations -- will be vulnerable by 2050 to regular flooding from storm surges, earlier research has shown. - 'Course correction needed - Last year, Greenland cast off more than 500 billion tonnes of ice and meltwater -- 40 percent of total sea level rise in 2019 and the most in a single year since satellite records began in 1978. Unless humanity dramatically ratchets down the carbon pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, such levels could become the "new normal", said lead author Jason Briner, a professor of geology at the University of Buffalo in New York. "No matter what the future carbon emissions are going to be, the Greenland ice sheet will lose more ice this century than even during the warmest of times during the past 12,000 years," he told AFP. "But it also gives me hope to know that humanity has a say in the future of Greenland and global sea levels." The first single, continuous record of Greenland's ice sheet loss took five years to assemble and required the combined efforts of ice core scientists, climate modellers, remote sensing experts and palaeoclimate researchers. The 12,000-year timeline makes it possible to better separate natural fluctuations in the ice block's mass balance with the impact of manmade climate change. Capping global warming at under two degrees Celsius -- the cornerstone target of the 2015 Paris Agreement -- would limit Greenland's contribution to sea level rise at about two centimetres this century, the study found. But under any scenario, the ocean waterline will continue to rise in the 22nd century and beyond. "No doubt we will see impactful sea level rise this century," Briner said. "But without a course correction now, the next century's sea level rise could be life-changing for much of the globe." Until 2000, the main driver of sea level rise was melting glaciers and the expansion of ocean water as it warms. But over the last two decades, the world's ice sheets atop Greenland and Antarctica have become the single largest source of sea level rise. The UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, has forecast sea level rise from all sources of just under a metre by century's end.

Sea level: Greenland ice loss worst in 12,000 years

In northeast Greenland, an occurrence has raised alarm bells of climate change as a large chunk of ice in the Arctic has broken away.&nbsp;

The chunk that is separated from Arctic's largest remaining ice shelf has a length of 11 sq kms and satellite images have shown that it is broken away into several small pieces.&nbsp;

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c51ba6d-205f-48ed-9290-034161f590b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%283%29_1.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;The&nbsp;section of the northeast Greenland ice shelf that has disintegrated over the last two years.

It strengthens the argument that climate change is rapidly impacting Greenland.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-contributes-to-spread-of-diseases-through-mosquitoes-says-study-322683">Climate change contributes to spread of diseases through mosquitoes, says study</a>

Scientists on Monday said the vast and ancient ice sheet sitting atop Greenland had sloughed off a 113 square kilometer chunk of ice last month. The section of the Spalte Glacier at the northwest corner of the Arctic island had been cracking for several years before finally breaking free on August&nbsp;27, clearing the way inland ice loss to the sea, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland&nbsp;reported.

"The atmosphere in this region has warmed by about 3C since 1980," said Dr Jenny Turton, as quoted by BBC News, adding that in 2019 and 2020, the summer temperatures were at record high levels.&nbsp;

Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden is about 80 km long and 20 km wide and at 79N, the glacier splits into two.

There is a minor offshoot that turns towards north, called Spalte Glacier that has now separated.&nbsp;

With climate change driving up Arctic temperatures, the once-solid sea ice cover has been shrinking to stark, new lows in recent years.

This year’s minimum, still a few days from being declared, is expected to be the second-lowest expanse in four decades of record-keeping. The record low of 3.41 million square kilometers,&nbsp;reached in September 2012 after a late-season cyclonic storm broke up the remaining ice – is not much below what we see today.

In northeast Greenland, an occurrence has raised alarm bells of climate change as a large chunk of ice in the Arctic has broken away. The chunk that is separated from Arctic's largest remaining ice shelf has a length of 11 sq kms and satellite images have shown that it is broken away into several small pieces.

In northeast Greenland, an occurrence has raised alarm bells of climate change as a large chunk of ice in the Arctic has broken away. The chunk that is separated from Arctic's largest remaining ice shelf has a length of 11 sq kms and satellite images have shown that it is broken away into several small pieces. In picture: The section of the northeast Greenland ice shelf that has disintegrated over the last two years. It strengthens the argument that climate change is rapidly impacting Greenland. Also read | Climate change contributes to spread of diseases through mosquitoes, says study Scientists on Monday said the vast and ancient ice sheet sitting atop Greenland had sloughed off a 113 square kilometer chunk of ice last month. The section of the Spalte Glacier at the northwest corner of the Arctic island had been cracking for several years before finally breaking free on August 27, clearing the way inland ice loss to the sea, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland reported. "The atmosphere in this region has warmed by about 3C since 1980," said Dr Jenny Turton, as quoted by BBC News, adding that in 2019 and 2020, the summer temperatures were at record high levels. Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden is about 80 km long and 20 km wide and at 79N, the glacier splits into two. There is a minor offshoot that turns towards north, called Spalte Glacier that has now separated. With climate change driving up Arctic temperatures, the once-solid sea ice cover has been shrinking to stark, new lows in recent years. This year’s minimum, still a few days from being declared, is expected to be the second-lowest expanse in four decades of record-keeping. The record low of 3.41 million square kilometers, reached in September 2012 after a late-season cyclonic storm broke up the remaining ice – is not much below what we see today.

Climate change: Massive chunk of ice twice the size of Manhattan separated

Gerard Butler starrer ‘Greenland’ will be delaying its release amid the ongoing pandemic induced crisis. With several challenges on the front of the US box office (many theatres being shuttered and etc), the film will no longer be meeting its September 25 release date.

The apocalyptic disaster-adventure film will now release in the fourth quarter.

‘Greenland’ stars Gerard Butler as John Garrity, whose family must fight for survival as a planet-killing comet races to earth. He and his estranged wife, along with their young son, embark on a monumental trek that culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven.

Morena Baccarin and Scott Glenn co-star in the movie, which was directed by Ric Roman Waugh.

Gerard Butler starrer ‘Greenland’ will be delaying its release amid the ongoing pandemic induced crisis. With several challenges on the front of the US box office (many theatres being shuttered and etc), the film will no longer be meeting its September 25 release date.

Gerard Butler starrer ‘Greenland’ will be delaying its release amid the ongoing pandemic induced crisis. With several challenges on the front of the US box office (many theatres being shuttered and etc), the film will no longer be meeting its September 25 release date. The apocalyptic disaster-adventure film will now release in the fourth quarter. ‘Greenland’ stars Gerard Butler as John Garrity, whose family must fight for survival as a planet-killing comet races to earth. He and his estranged wife, along with their young son, embark on a monumental trek that culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven. Morena Baccarin and Scott Glenn co-star in the movie, which was directed by Ric Roman Waugh.

Gerard Butler starrer 'Greenland' to miss September 25 release date due to pandemic

Greenland's ice sheet melted more last year than any year previously recorded, according to a new study.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is the world's largest island. It's located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of Canada's Arctic Archipelago. Around 79% of its surface is covered in ice.

The said research was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on Thursday. It found that in 2019, Greenland's ice sheet lost an annual record of 532 billion tonnes of ice, with 223 billion tonnes of ice lost during the month of July alone.

On the contrary, between 2003 and 2016 the ice sheet lost about 255 billion tonnes of ice on average -- per year.

Greenland's ice sheet is the second biggest in the world after Antarctica's, and its annual ice melt during summer contributes more than a millimeter rise to sea levels every year.

In 2019, Greenland's ice sheet lost 15% more ice than the previous record set in 2012, the study found.

Last year was the third hottest year since records began and surface air temperatures at the Arctic were the second highest in 120 years of records.

Interestingly, two colder years that preceded 2019 saw a reduction in the ice melt.

The report follows another study published last week that found Greenland's ice sheet has melted to a point of no return.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenland-ice-has-shrunk-beyond-return-study-finds-320639">Also read |&nbsp;Greenland ice has shrunk beyond return, study finds</a>

Greenland's ice sheet melted more last year than any year previously recorded, according to a new study. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is the world's largest island.

Greenland's ice sheet melted more last year than any year previously recorded, according to a new study. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is the world's largest island. It's located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of Canada's Arctic Archipelago. Around 79% of its surface is covered in ice. The said research was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on Thursday. It found that in 2019, Greenland's ice sheet lost an annual record of 532 billion tonnes of ice, with 223 billion tonnes of ice lost during the month of July alone. On the contrary, between 2003 and 2016 the ice sheet lost about 255 billion tonnes of ice on average -- per year. Greenland's ice sheet is the second biggest in the world after Antarctica's, and its annual ice melt during summer contributes more than a millimeter rise to sea levels every year. In 2019, Greenland's ice sheet lost 15% more ice than the previous record set in 2012, the study found. Last year was the third hottest year since records began and surface air temperatures at the Arctic were the second highest in 120 years of records. Interestingly, two colder years that preceded 2019 saw a reduction in the ice melt. The report follows another study published last week that found Greenland's ice sheet has melted to a point of no return. Also read | Greenland ice has shrunk beyond return, study finds

Greenland's ice sheet melted faster than ever before in 2019, study says

Konrad Steffen, a well-renowned climate scientist who studied melting ice sheets, died on Saturday after falling through thin ice in Greenland into a watery crevasse.

Steffen, who is the Director of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, has been researching on climate change for over 30 years and looked at its impacts on the Arctic and Antarctic.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Konrad Steffen, our Scientific Director, tragically died in an accident in Greenland. He was a passionate scientist and great friend to the SPI team. We are grateful for the time spent with him and we are committed to continuing his mission.<a href="https://t.co/ITmX8AhrI1">https://t.co/ITmX8AhrI1</a> <a href="https://t.co/BYXZFYo0uC">pic.twitter.com/BYXZFYo0uC</a>
— SwissPolarInstitute (@SwissPolar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwissPolar/status/1293161921328418816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Konrad died&nbsp;near a research station known as "Swiss Camp" that was founded by him Greenland 30 years ago.

Steffen was born in 1952 and got his doctorate from ETH Zurich in Switzerland in 1984. Konrad became a professor of climatology at the University of Colorado in 1990. He also served as the director of the university's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) from 2005 to 2012. He then left to direct the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.&nbsp;

Konrad Steffen, a well-renowned climate scientist who studied melting ice sheets, died on Saturday after falling through thin ice in Greenland into a watery crevasse.

Konrad Steffen, a well-renowned climate scientist who studied melting ice sheets, died on Saturday after falling through thin ice in Greenland into a watery crevasse. Steffen, who is the Director of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, has been researching on climate change for over 30 years and looked at its impacts on the Arctic and Antarctic. Konrad Steffen, our Scientific Director, tragically died in an accident in Greenland. He was a passionate scientist and great friend to the SPI team. We are grateful for the time spent with him and we are committed to continuing his mission.https://t.co/ITmX8AhrI1 pic.twitter.com/BYXZFYo0uC — SwissPolarInstitute (@SwissPolar) August 11, 2020 × Konrad died near a research station known as "Swiss Camp" that was founded by him Greenland 30 years ago. Steffen was born in 1952 and got his doctorate from ETH Zurich in Switzerland in 1984. Konrad became a professor of climatology at the University of Colorado in 1990. He also served as the director of the university's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) from 2005 to 2012. He then left to direct the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.

World renowned climate scientist Konrad Steffen dies after falling through thin ice

Greenland's ice sheet may have shrunk past the point of return, with the ice likely to melt away no matter how quickly the world reduces climate-warming emissions

Greenland's ice sheet melting has passed the point of no return

Greenland's ice sheet may have shrunk past the point of no return, with the ice likely to melt away no matter how quickly the world reduces climate-warming emissions.&nbsp;

For the new research, scientists studied 234 glaciers across the Arctic territory for 34 years through 2018, and found that annual snowfall was no longer enough to replenish glaciers of the snow and ice being lost to summertime melting.

That melting is already causing global seas to rise about a millimeter on average per year. If all of Greenland's ice goes, the water released would push sea levels up by an average of 6 meters -- enough to swamp many coastal cities around the world.

"Greenland is going to be the canary in the coal mine, and the canary is already pretty much dead at this point," said glaciologist Ian Howat at Ohio State University. He and his colleagues published the study Thursday in the Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment journal.

The Arctic has been warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the world for the last 30 years, an observation referred to as Arctic amplification. The polar sea ice hit its lowest extent for July in 40 years.

The Arctic thaw has brought more water to the region, opening up routes for shipping traffic, as well as increased interest in extracting fossil fuels and other natural resources.

Greenland is strategically important for the US military and its ballistic missile early warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America goes via the Arctic island. Last year, President Donald Trump offered to buy Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. But Denmark, a US ally, rebuffed the offer.&nbsp;

Scientists, however, have long worried about Greenland's fate, given the amount of water locked into the ice. 
The new study suggests the territory's ice sheet will now gain mass only once every 100 years -- a grim indicator of how difficult it is to re-grow glaciers once they hemorrhage ice.

In studying satellite images of the glaciers, the researchers noted that the glaciers had a 50% chance of regaining mass before 2000, with the odds declining since.

The sobering findings should spur governments to prepare for sea-level rise.

Still, the world can still bring down emissions to slow climate change, scientists said. Even if Greenland can't regain the icy bulk that covered its 2 million square kilometers, containing the global temperature rise can slow the rate of ice loss. 
&nbsp;

Greenland's ice sheet may have shrunk past the point of no return, with the ice likely to melt away no matter how quickly the world reduces climate-warming emissions.

Greenland's ice sheet may have shrunk past the point of no return, with the ice likely to melt away no matter how quickly the world reduces climate-warming emissions. For the new research, scientists studied 234 glaciers across the Arctic territory for 34 years through 2018, and found that annual snowfall was no longer enough to replenish glaciers of the snow and ice being lost to summertime melting. That melting is already causing global seas to rise about a millimeter on average per year. If all of Greenland's ice goes, the water released would push sea levels up by an average of 6 meters -- enough to swamp many coastal cities around the world. "Greenland is going to be the canary in the coal mine, and the canary is already pretty much dead at this point," said glaciologist Ian Howat at Ohio State University. He and his colleagues published the study Thursday in the Nature Communications Earth & Environment journal. The Arctic has been warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the world for the last 30 years, an observation referred to as Arctic amplification. The polar sea ice hit its lowest extent for July in 40 years. The Arctic thaw has brought more water to the region, opening up routes for shipping traffic, as well as increased interest in extracting fossil fuels and other natural resources. Greenland is strategically important for the US military and its ballistic missile early warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America goes via the Arctic island. Last year, President Donald Trump offered to buy Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. But Denmark, a US ally, rebuffed the offer. Scientists, however, have long worried about Greenland's fate, given the amount of water locked into the ice. The new study suggests the territory's ice sheet will now gain mass only once every 100 years -- a grim indicator of how difficult it is to re-grow glaciers once they hemorrhage ice. In studying satellite images of the glaciers, the researchers noted that the glaciers had a 50% chance of regaining mass before 2000, with the odds declining since. The sobering findings should spur governments to prepare for sea-level rise. Still, the world can still bring down emissions to slow climate change, scientists said. Even if Greenland can't regain the icy bulk that covered its 2 million square kilometers, containing the global temperature rise can slow the rate of ice loss.

Greenland ice has shrunk beyond return, study finds

Gerard Butler disaster thriller &nbsp;'Greenland' is now expected to release on Aug. 14.&nbsp;in the United States, this comes after re-schedule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/christopher-nolan-movie-tenet-to-open-july-31-as-industry-seeks-rebound-305516">Christopher Nolan’s&nbsp;'Tenet'</a> from July 17 to July 31.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/from-movie-shoots-to-award-show-events-that-have-got-affected-due-to-coronavirus-282912" hreflang="en">From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus</a> 
 
The upcoming movie which is helmed by Ric Roman Waugh was earlier scheduled for a July 31 theatrical opening. Earlier, Waugh has also worked with the actor on following projects including, 'Angel Has Fallen', 'Olympus Has Fallen' film series.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/barbra-streisand-calls-trump-dangerous-to-our-health-at-joe-bidens-fundraiser-rally-305452" hreflang="en">Barbra Streisand calls Trump 'dangerous to our health' at Joe Biden's fundraiser rally</a> 
 
As the movie was earlier slated to release in the month of June, but, due to the virus outbreak, the cinemas across the world were closed.&nbsp; 
 
The film is written by Chris Sparling and is backed by STX Films. As per news reports, the revolves around the life of a family who is battling to survive as the world is nearing its end. The movie is among the few projects that will hit the US theatres after coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-sorry-outrage-over-uk-story-by-jk-rowlings-ex-husband-justifying-abuse-305479" hreflang="en">'I'm not sorry': Outrage over UK story by JK Rowling's ex-husband 'justifying' abuse</a>

Big budget movies that are all set to hit the theatres in the month of July and August are Disney’s 'Mulan' on July 24, Warner Bros 'Tenet' on July 17, 'The Empty Man'&nbsp;and 'SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'&nbsp;on Aug. 7. 
 
As per now, many Hollywood filmmakers had postponed their respective films due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Films like Daniel Craig's 'No Time To Die', 'Black Widow', 'Fast and Furious 9', 'A Quiet Place II'.&nbsp;

Gerard Butler disaster thriller 'Greenland' is now expected to release on Aug. 14. in the United States, this comes after re-schedule of Christopher Nolan’s 'Tenet' from July 17 to July 31.

Gerard Butler disaster thriller 'Greenland' is now expected to release on Aug. 14. in the United States, this comes after re-schedule of Christopher Nolan’s 'Tenet' from July 17 to July 31. In pics: From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus The upcoming movie which is helmed by Ric Roman Waugh was earlier scheduled for a July 31 theatrical opening. Earlier, Waugh has also worked with the actor on following projects including, 'Angel Has Fallen', 'Olympus Has Fallen' film series. Also read: Barbra Streisand calls Trump 'dangerous to our health' at Joe Biden's fundraiser rally As the movie was earlier slated to release in the month of June, but, due to the virus outbreak, the cinemas across the world were closed. The film is written by Chris Sparling and is backed by STX Films. As per news reports, the revolves around the life of a family who is battling to survive as the world is nearing its end. The movie is among the few projects that will hit the US theatres after coronavirus lockdown. Also read: 'I'm not sorry': Outrage over UK story by JK Rowling's ex-husband 'justifying' abuse Big budget movies that are all set to hit the theatres in the month of July and August are Disney’s 'Mulan' on July 24, Warner Bros 'Tenet' on July 17, 'The Empty Man' and 'SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run' on Aug. 7. As per now, many Hollywood filmmakers had postponed their respective films due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Films like Daniel Craig's 'No Time To Die', 'Black Widow', 'Fast and Furious 9', 'A Quiet Place II'.

Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' pushes Gerard Butler disaster thriller 'Greenland' to Augest

Countries spared by the COVID-19 inferno... so far!

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months.&nbsp;

These findings were published as part of a study in the Geophysical Research Letters.

This also coincided with the Arctic experiencing its hottest year ever. The ice has continued to melt from both the Amundsen Sea Embayment and the Antarctic Peninsula, reported the Daily Mail.

However snowfall in Queen Maud Land brought&nbsp;relief in the region.

<h6><img alt="A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33ece529-0e1e-4408-9855-d3a6af52b6aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_110.jpg" /> 
A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland | AFP</h6>

<h6>&nbsp;</h6>

NASA and the German Aerospace Centre noticed changes in the ice volumes during two twin gravity measure satellite operations.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greenland-facing-the-brunt-of-climate-change-as-region-becoming-warmer-ice-depleting-247907/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We knew this past summer had been particularly warm in Greenland, melting every corner of the ice sheet, but the numbers are enormous”, said Isabella Velicogna of the University of California, Irvine, one of the authors of the paper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-climate-change-is-changing-our-economy-says-greenlands-first-female-prime-minister-284519" hreflang="en">WION Global Summit: Climate change is changing our economy, says Greenland's first female Prime Minister</a>

Last summer, Greenland lost ice twice as much as it did every year in the period between 2002-2019. During this period, the country lost 4,550 billion tonnes.

According to Velicogna, the loss of mass in Antarctica continues on, which could cause further rise in sea levels. However, a mass gain has also been observed in East Antarctica, triggered by snowfall.

The study, undertaken by Professor Velicogna and colleagues collated data from NASA and Germany Aerospace Centre’s late Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.

The GRACE satellites operate as a pair, and have successfully been able to measure the changes in Earth’s gravity between March 2002 and October 2017.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b65dd04d-0f2c-4471-ab6a-8acad1b5c63a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_85.jpg" /> 
An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows icebergs as they float along the eastern cost of Greenland near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk) | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The satellites have been able to operate for 15 years longer than expected.

Besides giving insight into the loss suffered by polar regions, the data from the satellites have enabled researchers and scientists to map out and measure the water reserves available on Earth. These include groundwater and polar ice.

Additionally, the data has also helped in understanding the global rise in sea levels.

The GRACE-FO craft, successor to the GRACE operation was launched in May 2018 and uses an experimental laser device to understand and compare the recordings of two satellites.&nbsp;

This has helped Velicogna and their team in gathering accurate data.

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months.

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months. These findings were published as part of a study in the Geophysical Research Letters. This also coincided with the Arctic experiencing its hottest year ever. The ice has continued to melt from both the Amundsen Sea Embayment and the Antarctic Peninsula, reported the Daily Mail. However snowfall in Queen Maud Land brought relief in the region. A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland | AFP NASA and the German Aerospace Centre noticed changes in the ice volumes during two twin gravity measure satellite operations. “We knew this past summer had been particularly warm in Greenland, melting every corner of the ice sheet, but the numbers are enormous”, said Isabella Velicogna of the University of California, Irvine, one of the authors of the paper. Also read: WION Global Summit: Climate change is changing our economy, says Greenland's first female Prime Minister Last summer, Greenland lost ice twice as much as it did every year in the period between 2002-2019. During this period, the country lost 4,550 billion tonnes. According to Velicogna, the loss of mass in Antarctica continues on, which could cause further rise in sea levels. However, a mass gain has also been observed in East Antarctica, triggered by snowfall. The study, undertaken by Professor Velicogna and colleagues collated data from NASA and Germany Aerospace Centre’s late Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. The GRACE satellites operate as a pair, and have successfully been able to measure the changes in Earth’s gravity between March 2002 and October 2017. An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows icebergs as they float along the eastern cost of Greenland near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk) | AFP The satellites have been able to operate for 15 years longer than expected. Besides giving insight into the loss suffered by polar regions, the data from the satellites have enabled researchers and scientists to map out and measure the water reserves available on Earth. These include groundwater and polar ice. Additionally, the data has also helped in understanding the global rise in sea levels. The GRACE-FO craft, successor to the GRACE operation was launched in May 2018 and uses an experimental laser device to understand and compare the recordings of two satellites. This has helped Velicogna and their team in gathering accurate data.

Greenland lost 600 billion tonnes of ice last summer alone

Greenland's first female prime Minister Aleqa Hammond on Thursday expressed concerns over climate change at WION Global Summit 2020 and underlined its impact on the country's economy. 
&nbsp; 
For anyone following news should know climate change is happening big time. The ice cap is melting all year round, the temp is rising in Greenland, a max of 20 degrees that was unheard before. This is a serious matter," Hammond said while speaking at the second session of the annual media conclave.

"It is changing our economy, our perspective of how the world is working," Hammond added.

Live:<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-india-has-arrived-it-is-no-longer-the-old-reticent-india-anymore-says-ram-madhav-284395">&nbsp;WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav</a>

WION Global Summit is a platform for global leaders to come together at a single platform and have a dialogue on a common global agenda.

Along with Aleqa Hammond, Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan climate activist and James Terry, Professor of Geosciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai also participated in the discussion on climate change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-this-era-is-witnessing-end-of-western-dominance-says-sri-lankas-former-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-284451">WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM</a>

"Those directly related to farming are suffering. We will only be affected by the prices, but of course, you have the money to buy it. Climate crisis affects different people in different ways. Fires and floods in California, Jakarta, " Nakate said.

&nbsp;"If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your conscience," she added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-speech-of-bjps-general-secretary-ram-madhav-at-wion-global-summit-284499">Full speech of BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav at WION Global Summit</a>

"The islands in the South Pacific, are facing sea-level rise, changing ocean temperature, stress on groundwater, the stress of available land, &nbsp;and available resources are limited. There are two kinds of actions that can be taken, mitigation and adaptation. Some nations can't do much in terms of mitigation but can adapt," James Terry said.

Stressing on need the of effective solutions, Hammond said, "we need to bring a change in our policies, how we raise our children. The biggest change is required at home and it needs to be taken seriously."

"Investments in renewable energy is costly but it is required," she also said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-global-summit-is-a-platform-of-constructive-conversation-palki-sharma-upadhyay-dubai-284443/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In this year's edition, the list of speakers include former Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe; Her Excellency Dr Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, the first Female President of Latvia and former president of Club de Madrid, Aleqa Hammond; The first female Prime Minister of Greenland and Her Excellency Mariya Didi; the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Republic of Maldives.

During the one-day event, the guests will host agenda-driven discussions on topics of global importance including, climate change, global governance, economic slowdown, and global crisis.

Greenland's first female prime Minister Aleqa Hammond on Thursday expressed concerns over climate change at WION Global Summit 2020 and underlined its impact on the country's economy.

Greenland's first female prime Minister Aleqa Hammond on Thursday expressed concerns over climate change at WION Global Summit 2020 and underlined its impact on the country's economy. For anyone following news should know climate change is happening big time. The ice cap is melting all year round, the temp is rising in Greenland, a max of 20 degrees that was unheard before. This is a serious matter," Hammond said while speaking at the second session of the annual media conclave. "It is changing our economy, our perspective of how the world is working," Hammond added. Live: WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav WION Global Summit is a platform for global leaders to come together at a single platform and have a dialogue on a common global agenda. Along with Aleqa Hammond, Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan climate activist and James Terry, Professor of Geosciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai also participated in the discussion on climate change. Also read: WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM "Those directly related to farming are suffering. We will only be affected by the prices, but of course, you have the money to buy it. Climate crisis affects different people in different ways. Fires and floods in California, Jakarta, " Nakate said. "If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your conscience," she added. Also read: Full speech of BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav at WION Global Summit "The islands in the South Pacific, are facing sea-level rise, changing ocean temperature, stress on groundwater, the stress of available land, and available resources are limited. There are two kinds of actions that can be taken, mitigation and adaptation. Some nations can't do much in terms of mitigation but can adapt," James Terry said. Stressing on need the of effective solutions, Hammond said, "we need to bring a change in our policies, how we raise our children. The biggest change is required at home and it needs to be taken seriously." "Investments in renewable energy is costly but it is required," she also said. × In this year's edition, the list of speakers include former Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe; Her Excellency Dr Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, the first Female President of Latvia and former president of Club de Madrid, Aleqa Hammond; The first female Prime Minister of Greenland and Her Excellency Mariya Didi; the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Republic of Maldives. During the one-day event, the guests will host agenda-driven discussions on topics of global importance including, climate change, global governance, economic slowdown, and global crisis.

WION Global Summit: Climate change is changing our economy, says Greenland's first female Prime Minister

Greenland facing the brunt of climate change as region becoming warmer, ice depleting. Watch this report to know more.

Greenland facing the brunt of climate change as region becoming warmer, ice depleting

Greenland's leaders want to use global interest in the Arctic island aroused by President Donald Trump's eye-catching offer of a sale to stimulate investment and earn more from US military activity there.

Greenland's leaders want to use global interest in the Arctic island aroused by President Donald Trump's eye-catching offer of a sale to stimulate investment and earn more from US military activity there. Some business leaders and officials are seeking to translate the unexpected publicity into badly-needed ventures in roads, airports, hospitality and mines. "When you stimulate investment in an area like Greenland, magic wonders can happen in mining, tourism, and infrastructure," said Verner Hammeken, chief executive of Greenland's Royal Arctic Line. Trump last week called off a planned visit to Copenhagen, where he was to meet Greenland's leader, after his idea to buy the vast island, home to only 56,000 people, was rebuffed. Greenland is important for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early warning system, as it balances a Russian and Chinese commercial and military buildup in the Arctic. The United States maintains an air base in Thule in Greenland's northwest but doesn't pay any rent under a 1951 treaty with Denmark. Greenland had long wanted more in return for the base's use. But discontent worsened in 2014 when the U.S. military cancelled a contract with Greenland Contractors, a partly state-owned firm that had serviced the base for more than four decades. And in 2017, the Department of Defense picked a U.S. company instead of Greenland's Royal Arctic Line to ship goods to the base, causing further resentment among politicians and locals. "It is only natural that we should make the most of the U.S. presence in Greenland, as we accommodate the defence cooperation on our land," Greenland's minister for foreign affairs Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters in an interview this week. "Our fair share" The service contract with Greenland Contractors was worth about 600 million Danish crowns ($89 million) a year before it was ended and was an important contributor to the small economy, which mainly relies on fishing and annual grants from Denmark. "To the greatest extent possible, it must be Greenlandic companies as well as Greenlandic workers who service the base. It is only natural that we get our fair share," she said. As a result of the strained relations, formalised annual meetings in the so-called Joint Committee between officials from Nuuk, Copenhagen and Washington have been on standby since 2014. "For five years we've tried to get the Thule contracts back, but at this point I don't have much hope," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, a lawmaker from opposition party Inuit Ataqatigiit told Reuters. "The current America First strategy has not helped the relationship between Greenland and the United States," she said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon said it "will prioritize activities in the Arctic that support homeland defence" and contribute to maintaining "balances of power in the Indo-Pacific and Europe." Last year, the U.S. Department of Defense said it wants to "pursue potential strategic investments vigorously," including airports in Greenland for both military and civilian use. The Danish foreign ministry said it is in contact with the U.S. administration about resuming Joint Committee meetings and that it will work "to ensure maximum benefit to Greenland." Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory, but Denmark deals with the island's security and foreign affairs. Royal Arctic Line, a state-controlled company that lost the shipping contract to Thule, continues to sail to nearby towns. "It seems a bit strange that you use an area in a country without supporting that country's infrastructure," said Royal Arctic's Hammeken, formerly of Danish shipping giant Maersk. He said he regrets losing the contract, and there is "clear value in combining civilian supplies with military activity, especially in rural areas that are difficult to access." He would like more U.S. investment: Greenland has no roads between its 17 towns and one commercial international airport. "We've seen that when the United States catches interest in certain areas around the world, investments from private American companies follow," he added.

In spotlight after Trump offer, Greenland sees chance for an economic win

US President Donald Trump declared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's dismissal of his idea to buy Greenland "nasty" and an affront to the United States on Wednesday, a day after shocking Danes by cancelling a Copenhagen visit over the rebuff.

US President Donald Trump declared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's dismissal of his idea to buy Greenland "nasty" and an affront to the United States on Wednesday, a day after shocking Danes by cancelling a Copenhagen visit over the rebuff. Danes voiced disbelief at Trump's decision to forgo the trip, although Frederiksen said she believed relations with the United States, a NATO ally, would not be affected. Trump, who built his career as a businessman dealing in real estate, had mused openly in recent days about a US purchase of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory rich in natural resources, raising eyebrows in Europe and in the United States. Former Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called it "an April Fool's Day joke" and Frederiksen called the idea "absurd." The latter comment set off Trump, who often becomes riled up by criticism, real or perceived. He announced the cancellation of his planned Sept 2-3 trip to Denmark in a tweet late on Tuesday. "I thought that the prime minister's statement ... was nasty. I thought it was an inappropriate statement. All she had to do is say: 'No, we wouldn’t be interested,'" Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. "She's not talking to me. She's talking to the United States of America. You don’t talk to the United States that way, at least under me." Frederiksen, a centre-left Social Democrat, said she learned of Trump's decision "with regret and surprise", given Denmark's strong relations with Washington, but she repeated her opposition to any Greenland transaction. She stressed that Greenland's premier, Kim Kielsen, had ruled out selling off the territory and "I obviously agree with him." But Frederiksen said the United States remained one of Denmark's closest allies. "I don't think the cancelling of this state visit should affect any decisions we make whether it is on commercial cooperation or foreign and security policies." Trump's decision elicited condemnation, outrage and mockery alike among Danish opposition leaders and the public. "So (Trump) has cancelled his visit to Denmark because there was no interest in discussing selling Greenland. Is this some sort of joke? Deeply insulting to the people of Greenland and Denmark," tweeted former Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt. "Total chaos with @realDonaldTrump and cancellation of state visit to Denmark. It has gone from a big opportunity for strengthened dialogue between allies to a diplomatic crisis," said former Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen of the Liberal Party. 'Not for sale' Greenland, which is gaining attention from world powers including China, Russia and the United States because of its strategic location and mineral wealth, is self-governing but underdeveloped and relies on Denmark for economic support. "Everyone should know Greenland is not for sale," Jensen said of the world's largest island, where the United States has a military presence at the Thule Air Base under a U.S.-Danish treaty dating to 1951. "(Trump's cancellation) is very, very shocking, when it is about a very close ally and a good friend," said Soren Espersen of the hard-right Danish People's Party. He said Trump had effectively snubbed Queen Margrethe, Denmark's head of state. Trump and U.S. first lady Melania Trump were formally invited to Denmark by the queen in July. "It shows why we now more than ever should consider (fellow) European Union countries as our closest allies. The man is unpredictable," said Morten Ostergaard, leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party. "Reality surpasses imagination." Trump, whose "America First" policies have resulted in strained relations with the EU over trade and other issues, said on Sunday a U.S. purchase of Greenland would be "a large real estate deal." The two countries appeared to be taking steps to address tensions over the dispute. Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said in a Twitter post that he had a "frank, friendly and constructive talk" with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and declared the countries "close friends and allies." The State Department said Pompeo expressed thanks for Denmark's cooperation as an ally. "The Secretary and Foreign Minister Kofod also discussed strengthening cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – in the Arctic," it said in a statement. Trump said he would go to Denmark another time. "Greenland was just an idea, just a thought. But I think when they say it was 'absurd' and it was said in a very nasty, very sarcastic way, I said, 'We'll make it some other time.' We'll go to Denmark - I love Denmark. I've been to Denmark. And, frankly, we'll do it another time. Respect has to be shown to the United States," he told reporters. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general and Danish premier, said Trump's cancellation could work out for the best. "The Arctic's security and environmental challenges are too important to be considered alongside hopeless discussions like the sale of Greenland," he said on Twitter.

Trump calls Danish PM's rebuff of Greenland idea 'nasty' as trip cancellation stuns Danes

NASA scientists are crisscrossing Greenland on a mission to track melting ice. Greenland has been melting faster in the last decade and this summer, it has seen two of the biggest melts on record since 2012.

Scientists fly over Greenland to track melting ice

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called off a visit to Denmark scheduled for early September after the country's prime minister rebuffed his idea of purchasing Greenland.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called off a visit to Denmark scheduled for early September after the country's prime minister rebuffed his idea of purchasing Greenland. "Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time," Trump said in a post on Twitter. "The Prime Minister was able to save a great deal of expense and effort for both the United States and Denmark by being so direct. I thank her for that and look forward to rescheduling sometime in the future!" A White House official said Trump had dropped the September 2-3 stop in Denmark, a NATO ally. Trump had been due to discuss the Arctic in meetings in Copenhagen with Frederiksen, who took office in June, and Prime Minister Kim Kielsen of Greenland. He is due to visit Poland on Aug. 31. Frederiksen said on Sunday the idea of selling Greenland to the United States was absurd after an economic adviser to Trump confirmed US interest in buying the world's largest island. "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously," Frederiksen told the newspaper Sermitsiaq during a visit to Greenland. Trump confirmed to reporters on Sunday that he had recently discussed the possibility of buying Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, although he said such a move was not an immediate priority. "The concept came up and ... strategically it's interesting," Trump told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey. A defence treaty between Denmark and the United States dating back to 1951 gives the U.S. military rights over the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland. Trump's interest in buying Greenland has been met with incredulity and humour. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who recently stepped down as Danish prime minister, tweeted last week: "It must be an April Fool’s Day joke." On Monday, Trump retweeted an image of a golden Trump tower looming over a cluster of houses on the Arctic island, and wrote: "I promise not to do this to Greenland!"

Trump cancels Denmark visit after rebuff over Greenland

US President Donald Trump has cancelled his visit to Denmark after its President said that Greenland is not up for sale. Watch the full video to know more.

Trump cancels his Denmark visit

NASA Investigates The Rapid Rate Of Melting Of Ice In Greenland...

WION Gravitas: Greenland melting faster than ever: NASA launches probe

US President Donald Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland

Greenland has been melting at a faster rate than ever before. This summer alone, Greenland has seen two of the biggest ever melt on record since 2012. This has forced NASA into action.

Greenland melting faster than ever: NASA launches probe

US President Donald Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland

NASA scientists are crisscrossing Greenland on a mission to track melting ice. Greenland has been melting faster in the last decade and this summer, it has seen two of the biggest melts on record since 2012. Global warming is the chief culprit, but scientists want to know how this is happening. Both warmer air and warmer water are eating away at Greenland, causing it to lose billions of tons of ice daily in the summer. A team of scientists and engineers aboard a research plane this week are dropping probes into the ice to help figure out which is the bigger cause. If water is playing a bigger role than scientists had thought, that could mean seas will be rising faster than expected.

Greenland Glacier's ice sheet shrinks 10 km. Several scientists said that what’s happening is a result of man-made climate change. Watch this video to know more.

WION Playlist: Greenland Glacier's ice sheet shrinks 10 km

Greenland dismisses the notion that it might be up for sale. Trump has discussed this with his advisers of buying Greenland. But Greenland's foreign minister said, ''We are not for sale.''

Donald Trump confirmed, ''Discussed the possibility to buy world's largest island''

Why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland

greenland

Greenland, News on Greenland, stories on Greenland, articles on Greenland, Greenland stories at Wion, Greenland news, Greenland latest news