Scientists are warning that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, containing vast amounts of frozen freshwater, is nearing an irreversible collapse that could lead to a 13 feet rise in sea levels. This collapse may be triggered by only a slight ocean warming, potentially putting coastal cities and small island nations at risk of flooding and displacement. The unique characteristics of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, located on the seabed and impacted heavily by climate change, make it particularly vulnerable compared to its eastern counterpart.
As little as 0.25°C deep ocean warming above present-day can trigger the start of a collapse. With our present-day climate, the transition to the collapsed state will be slow, maybe 1,000 years, but it will likely be much faster if there is additional global warming.
In a future scenario of sea level rises, cities and towns are flooded more easily, meaning people would have to flee their homes and move further inland.
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