Greenland has lost enough ice to submerge the U.S. in half a meter of water since 2002

The video discusses the impact of ice melt on global sea levels, focusing on a study by Polar Portal. It highlights the severe ice loss along the West Greenland coast, despite a small increase in ice in central Greenland. Satellite data from the GRACE mission shows dramatic changes in ice thickness, contributing to a 1.2 cm rise in sea levels. Climate scientist Andrew Shepherd notes that each centimeter rise exposes 6 million more people to coastal flooding.

What is the potential impact of ice melt according to the Polar Portal study?

• It could cause a drought in Greenland.

• It could lead to a decrease in global sea levels.

• It could increase global temperatures by 2 degrees.

• It could submerge the U.S. under half a meter of water.

Where is ice loss most severe according to the study?

• North Pole

• Central Greenland

• East Greenland coast

• West Greenland coast

What satellite data was used to study changes in the ice sheet?

• Landsat

• GRACE Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment

• Hubble Space Telescope

• NOAA Weather Satellites

How much has the sea level risen due to ice melt?

• 3.0 centimeters

• 2.5 centimeters

• 1.2 centimeters

• 0.5 centimeters

How many people are exposed to coastal flooding for every centimeter rise in sea level?

• 3 million

• 6 million

• 1 million

• 10 million