An iceberg broke off from a glacier in Antarctica – in 2018, the media started frequently reporting similar news. Glacier melting causes concern among half of the world’s population, and joy among the other half. What is the secret? The project teranews.net will try to understand this issue.
Let’s start with the fact that Antarctica is the southern pole of the Earth – at the bottom of the globe. The Arctic is the northern pole of the planet – at the top of the globe.
Glacier Melting: Benefits and Harms
Definitely, a chunk of ice the size of a regional city that has broken off from a glacier will cause fear among residents of coastal areas. The iceberg set adrift will destroy everything in its path: a ship, a fishing schooner, a pier, and even a port. Moreover, scientists’ concerns about rising sea levels are justified. For the third decade, residents of coastal countries have been sounding the alarm – the sea is gradually reclaiming land year after year.
The increase in water volume in the world’s oceans affects tides, which in turn change weather conditions across the entire Earth. Tsunamis, prolonged rains, or droughts in different parts of the planet are linked to glacier melting.
The positive side of melting ice lies in the political aspect. Especially in the Arctic region. Firstly, the removal of glaciers will open the Northern Sea Route to the global community. This will facilitate logistics between the USA, China, and India on one side, and European countries on the other. Currently, Russia fully controls the Northern Sea Route and is not eager to share this lucrative resource.
Secondly, reserves of oil, gas, and ore have been found under the glaciers of the Arctic and Antarctica. Since glaciers do not belong to any country, there are many contenders for these natural resources. Leading the list are the USA, Russia, and China – nuclear powers capable of forcefully claiming these valuable resources.
The conclusion is obvious – there is nothing to rejoice about. Rising sea levels hinder the livelihoods of people in coastal areas. And the desire of nuclear powers to seize natural resources will certainly not lead to good. It is hoped that glacier melting will be prolonged over a long period.
