The rapid sea level rise experienced during the end of the last Ice Age may recur as the global temperatures continue to rise according to researchers. Scientists from over a dozen institutions put forth this scary scenario in a study that was published in a journal.
Journal Study
In this journal study, the scientists examined sediments that were from ancient shorelines that date back over 10,000 years. These provided information about ancient shorelines that these coastal habitats have adapted to the melting of ice sheets which are based in the North Hemisphere. It is indeed based on the quality and type of sediments found in these sediments. The scientists also gained valuable insights about the future of coastal ecosystems. This was done by drawing parallels between past events and current information available to them.
Professor Bob Kopp put forth that carbon emissions are directly responsible for the global rise of sea levels. “Every ton of carbon dioxide human-kind emits turns up the global thermostat. All of which in turn increases the pace of global sea level rise”. A number of tidal marsh ecosystems are at significant risk because of the impact of sea level rise. All of which is in turn driven high by global warming. It also includes mangrove forests, and coral reefs as well.
Every fraction of a degree matters.
The future of humanity depends on nature‘s survival.
The #AfricaClimateSummit calls on leaders to make ambitious #ClimateAction pledges & commitments #ForPeopleForPlanet.https://t.co/22HwiPRwb9 pic.twitter.com/bmEurJNJj2
— UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) September 5, 2023
According to the findings from the journal, there is a severe need to establish thresholds. These thresholds are mostly specific to about 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level. One must note that these levels are meant to be central to the Paris Agreement. Climate change has harmful effects that can be mitigated by reducing carbon emissions. Also, they can be reduced by limiting global warming as per the limits decided.
As per the research, most tidal marshes may withstand sea level rise under 1.5 degrees Celsius. Though, under 2 degrees Celsius of warming, around 2/3rds of them are at risk as they are not keeping up with the rising waters.
Neil Saintilan, a professor at Macquarie University in Australia, already put forth the critical role of mangroves and tidal marshes in the ecosystem. They act as buffers against ocean impacts. It also leads to erosion prevention and biodiversity conservation. It was even warned that under the worst-case scenarios, these habitats which are already vulnerable, may shrink or vanish. Eventually, in the worst case, it echoes all the way back to past geological events.
In light of these, climate mitigation efforts are needed to ensure the preservation of these coastal ecosystems from getting worse and the communities that rely on them for their daily lives.
