That is because large masses of ice always respond slowly to warming, because the melting process is (relatively) slow, and will continue for a long time, even if further warming should stop. “Actually we are already close to that tipping point (the point after which the situation can no longer be turned around, ed.) for the Greenland Ice Cap. There was another study recently that said we are already over it, ”says Van Breedam.
But if it isn’t now, it’s coming, “Also, don’t forget that if we manage to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, that warming will be greater at the poles, maybe 2 degrees.”
There is better news about the South Pole: according to the low-emission scenario it would “remain largely intact”, the researchers think. For example, she would only lose 1.6 meters of her 60 meters, emphasizes Van Breedam. Under the worst-case scenario, she could lose up to half her mass.
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