New Study Shows West Antarctic Ice Sheet Might Be Safer from Collapse This Century

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Lemaire Canal in West Antarctic
Glacier breaking edge in the Lemaire Canal. The Lemaire Canal is a narrow ship passage. It separates the island of Booth from the Antarctic Peninsula. Credit: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, December 8, 2005.

Some Climate Threats May Be Less Urgent, But Action Is Still Needed to Protect Ice Sheets

A recent study led by researchers at Dartmouth College brings some good news about the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, particularly Thwaites Glacier. Scientists have found that this massive ice sheet might be less likely to collapse during the 21st century than we previously feared. This discovery could mean that the threat of rapidly rising sea levels is not as immediate as some had thought.

What Is MICI and Why Does It Matter?

MICI stands for Marine Ice Cliff Instability. It’s a big concern in the world of climate science. The idea is that if the floating ice shelves around Antarctica collapse, they could expose tall ice cliffs. These cliffs might break apart quickly, leading to more ice melting and causing sea levels to rise around the world. Previous studies suggested that MICI could cause the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to collapse, leading to significant sea level rise by the end of this century.

How This Study Was Done

Scientists from several universities used advanced computer models to simulate what might happen to Thwaites Glacier if its ice shelf collapses. They applied new methods to gain a clearer understanding of the ice sheet’s stability. These models are more detailed and realistic than the ones used in older studies.

The new methods took into account how the ice both bends and breaks. This made the models more realistic in showing how the ice sheet might behave if the ice shelves collapse and tall cliffs are exposed.

The study also used more advanced and detailed models. By using three different models (ISSM, STREAMICE, and Úa), the researchers made sure their results were not limited to just one type of model. This approach gave a clearer picture of how stable the West Antarctic Ice Sheet might be, especially concerning MICI.

Key Findings: Less Risk of Collapse

The study’s results are reassuring. Even in the worst-case scenarios, where the ice shelf collapses completely, the models show that the glacier would likely remain stable throughout the 21st century. The exposed ice cliffs wouldn’t be tall enough to cause the runaway collapse that was previously feared.

Two important factors help keep the glacier stable:

  1. Faster Ice Movement: If the ice shelf collapses, the ice behind it would begin moving faster, which surprisingly helps prevent the cliffs from breaking apart.

  2. Thinning Ice: The ice near the front would become thinner, making the cliffs less likely to reach dangerous heights.

Why This Matters for Sea Levels

This study suggests that the scenarios where sea levels rise quickly due to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet might not happen as soon as we thought. However, the scientists warn that other processes could still cause the ice to melt over the long term. We shouldn’t assume everything is fine, but it’s a relief to know that we might have more time to address these challenges.

Call to Action

This study is a reminder that while some climate threats may be less urgent than we feared, we still need to take action. Ice sheets like the West Antarctic are still at risk in the long run.

Morlighem, M., Goldberg, D., Barnes, J. M., Bassis, J. N., Benn, D. I., Crawford, A. J., Gudmundsson, G. H., & Seroussi, H. (2024). The West Antarctic Ice Sheet may not be vulnerable to marine ice cliff instability during the 21st century. Science Advances, 10(eado7794).

Alaska’s Melting Permafrost: Unleashing Toxic Mercury into Our Ecosystem

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Photo of permafrost thawing
Photo of permafrost thawing with ominous darkening effect surrounding the photo.

New Research Unveils Risks of Mercury Mobilization in the Yukon River Basin Due to Permafrost Thaw

The Arctic is heating up faster than anywhere else on Earth, and this rapid warming is causing a lot of problems. One big concern is the melting of permafrost—ground that has been frozen for thousands of years. When this frozen ground thaws, it can release harmful substances into our environment. recent study published in Environmental Research Letters looked at how mercury, a toxic metal, is being released from permafrost in the Yukon River Basin in Alaska. This is bad news for the environment, and it could also affect our health.

Why Mercury in Permafrost is a Problem

Mercury is a dangerous metal that can poison living things, including humans. It’s especially harmful because it can build up in the food chain. For example, small fish absorb mercury from their environment, and when bigger fish eat those smaller fish, the mercury accumulates. If humans eat those bigger fish, they can get sick. Mercury has been locked away in permafrost for a long time, but as the Arctic warms and the permafrost melts, this mercury is being released.

What the Study Found

Researchers studied two areas in the Yukon River Basin: Huslia and Beaver. Here’s what they discovered:

  • Mercury in the Soil: The study found that the soil in these areas contains mercury—about 49 nanograms per gram in Huslia and 39 nanograms per gram in Beaver. This may not sound like much, but it’s enough to be concerning, especially as it spreads into the environment.

  • River Erosion Releases Mercury: As rivers in the Yukon River Basin move and change course, they erode the riverbanks, which releases mercury into the water. Some of this mercury gets washed away, while some gets redeposited in new locations. The study found that more mercury is released in some areas, like Beaver, while in others, like Huslia, more is deposited back into the ground.

  • Impact on Communities and Wildlife: The release of mercury is especially dangerous for people who live in the Arctic and rely on fishing for food. When mercury enters the water, it can turn into a form that is even more toxic, called methylmercury. This can then build up in fish, which is a major part of the diet for many Indigenous communities in Alaska. Eating fish contaminated with mercury can lead to serious health problems.

Why This Matters

This study shows how climate change is not just about warmer temperatures—it’s also causing toxic substances to be released into our environment. The Yukon River Basin is a major waterway, and what happens here can affect larger ecosystems and even the Arctic Ocean. If we don’t address this issue, the mercury released from permafrost could have far-reaching effects on both wildlife and people.

What We Can Do

Understanding how climate change is impacting our world is the first step in taking action. This study highlights the importance of monitoring these changes and finding ways to reduce the risks. We need to pay attention to what’s happening in the Arctic and support efforts to protect our environment.

Summing Up

The melting of permafrost in the Yukon River Basin is releasing mercury into our environment, which poses serious risks to both nature and human health. As climate change continues to accelerate, it’s crucial that we understand these impacts and work together to find solutions. By staying informed and taking action, we can help protect our planet for future generations.

Call to Action

If you care about the environment and want to learn more about how climate change is affecting our world, read our weekly articles and follow us on X.com. Together, we can make a difference.

Study referenced: Smith, M. I., Ke, Y., Geyman, E. C., Reahl, J. N., Douglas, M. M., Seelen, E. A., Magyar, J. S., Dunne, K. B. J., Mutter, E. A., Fischer, W. W., Lamb, M. P., & West, A. J. (2024). Mercury stocks in discontinuous permafrost and their mobilization by river migration in the Yukon River Basin. Environmental Research Letters, 19(8), 084041.

How Climate Education for Clinicians Can Make a Difference

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Two healthcare professionals in masks forming a heart shape with their hands, holding a small globe within it, emphasizing their commitment to global health under the Quality Incentive Program (QIP)
In a survey of 2417 clinicians at an academic medical center, most found climate change and healthcare sustainability relevant to their practices and reported increased knowledge after completing a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) measure.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis that requires the attention and action of all sectors, including healthcare. A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading academic medical center in Boston, has shed light on the power of climate education among healthcare professionals. This innovative approach through a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) highlights how targeted educational efforts can significantly enhance clinicians’ understanding and responsiveness to the health impacts of climate change.

The Power of Education in Healthcare

The QIP focused on educating clinicians about the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health and healthcare sustainability. The program, involving structured educational video modules, was remarkably successful, with a participation rate of 94.5% among eligible clinicians. This high engagement rate underscores the healthcare community’s recognition of the urgency of the climate crisis.

Key Findings from the Study

  • Increased Knowledge and Awareness: Clinicians reported a significant increase in their knowledge about how climate change affects health. Post-education, most clinicians felt better equipped to address these challenges in their practice, indicating that education can effectively bridge the knowledge gap.
  • Relevance to Clinical Practice: The study revealed that the education was not only relevant but also crucial for clinical practice. Clinicians in specialties directly facing the impacts of climate change found the modules particularly pertinent. This highlights the need for specialty-specific content that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within different fields of medicine.
  • Positive Shift in Attitudes: The positive reception to the educational modules was evident across various demographics within the healthcare community. Female clinicians and those in climate-facing specialties, such as pulmonology and infectious diseases, expressed a higher appreciation for the relevance of this education, suggesting that personal and professional experiences might influence perceptions of climate education’s importance.
  • Desire for More Action: Clinicians not only learned from the modules but were also motivated to seek further information and take action within their practices. This enthusiasm for more actionable insights points to a growing consensus among healthcare professionals about the role they play in mitigating climate change.

Implications for the Healthcare Sector

The success of the QIP at Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrates that climate education can be seamlessly integrated into professional development for healthcare providers. This approach not only enhances clinicians’ understanding but also empowers them to act. Healthcare institutions worldwide have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to adopt similar programs that educate and engage their staff in sustainability efforts.

Summing Up

The healthcare sector stands in a unique position to influence positive change. By incorporating climate education into regular training and incentive programs, healthcare providers can become pivotal players in advocating for and implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The findings from this study not only highlight the effectiveness of such educational initiatives but also call for a widespread adoption to make a more significant impact.

Call to Action

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to advocate for climate education within their institutions, ensuring that the health impacts of climate change are recognized and addressed in medical training and practice. It’s time to expand the role of healthcare in combating climate change, moving from awareness to action.

Armand, W., Padget, M., Pinsky, E., Wasfy, J. H., Slutzman, J. E., & Duhaime, A.-C. (2024). Clinician knowledge and attitudes about climate change and health after a quality incentive program. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2426790.