Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier Retreat

The Ilulissat Icefjord, approximately 60 km long, is a major outlet for icebergs calving from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, also known as the Jakobshavn Glacier, part of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since 1850, this glacier has retreated about 40 km, with 22 km of retreat occurring since 2002, indicating an accelerated process.

State of the Cryosphere 2025 Report

• The report is coordinated by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) and reviewed by over 50 scientists.
• Key Finding: Global ice loss is expanding rapidly, contributing to foreseeable sea-level rise and heightened risks globally.
• Temperature Thresholds: Stability thresholds for Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets lie near ~1°C; many mountain glaciers are vulnerable at even lower temperatures.
• Urgency: Current temperatures exceed safe levels for glacier and ice sheet stability. Aiming for 1.5°C by 2100 and moving towards 1°C thereafter is crucial.

Climate Action and Mitigation

• Current national pledges exceed 2°C warming, threatening ice retention and manageable sea-level rise.
• High Ambition Pathways: Emphasized as essential for reducing temperatures and slowing ice loss.
• Tools Available: Existing measures can mitigate damage, but require implementation.

Ocean and Permafrost Impacts

• Ocean Currents: Melting ice and warmer seas slow major ocean currents, affecting Europe’s climate, regional sea levels, and marine ecosystems.
• Acidification: Polar oceans are acidifying faster, threatening marine life.
• Carbon Emissions: Permafrost now releases more greenhouse gases than it absorbs, increasing mitigation costs.

Impact on India

• Sea-Level Rise: Poses long-term challenges to cities like Mumbai, Kochi, and Kolkata.
• Himalayan Ice Decline: Causes hydrological extremes like floods and water stress in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Indus basins.

Temperature Pathways and Implications

• Under 1.5°C: Western Himalaya could retain ~85% of 2020 glacier mass.
• Under 3°C: Only ~30% glacier mass retention anticipated.

Global and Diplomatic Efforts

• Black Carbon: Reducing soot emissions can slow glacier melt, providing environmental and health benefits.
• Diplomatic Initiatives: The Ambition on Melting Ice group, co-chaired by Chile and Iceland, advocates for immediate mitigative action.

Scientists emphasize treating ice loss as a global security risk, urging policymakers at COP30 to implement deep, rapid emissions reductions.