Melting glaciers increase sea level

Jessica Tedesco

The New York Times news article "As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas" articulates the serious danger associated with an increased sea level. According to scientists, the Antarctic and Greenland ice is rabidly melting which could inevitably increase the sea level as much as 6 feet. This increase would deteriorate coastlines around the world, especially in America and China. The massive flooding which normally takes place sporadically throughout in a century would likely occur every few years. The results of the melting include “faster erosion of beaches, barrier islands and marshes. It would contaminate fresh water supplies with salt.” Many scientists are encouraging an immediate plan of action by coastal cities to deal with the side effects of melting glaciers.
The article brings to light other problems debated today. The issue of melting glaciers adds evidence to the already controversial issue of global warming. The author of the article seems to believe in global warming, adding more evidence for the increasing temperature such as other extreme weather conditions and the deterioration of the ocean’s coral. As discussed in class, the melting glaciers also cause a dilemma for the world’s freshwater supply. As the glaciers melt they not only increase sea level and flooding, it also would alleviate the stressed supply of freshwater. For a short period of time, countries such as India would benefit from the growing freshwater now available for their population, who normally suffer from droughts. Although initially the increased freshwater supply would be beneficial, eventually the melted water would enter the oceans.
The melting glaciers seem like a very dangerous issue which requires urgent attention. The most pertinent side effect, in my opinion, is the rising sea level. Cities all around the world are at risk with even a small increase in seal level. New Orleans for example would be devastated by the increase. Many cities dependant on tourists and traveling would also be in economical ruin caused by the melting glaciers. There doesn’t seem to be any definite or direct solution to problem. The most effective one would be to address global warming in general. By decreasing the pollutants and greenhouse gases, the world’s temperature would stop warming and therefore the glacier melting would cease.

Gillis, Justin. "As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas." New York Times 13 Nov. 2010: n. pag. NewYorkTimes.com. Web. 14 Nov. 2010.