Global Ice Loss

The reduction of ice shelves and glaciers throughout the globe has environmental scientists speculating about the effects of climate change on the Earth's supply of ice. With 69% of the worlds fresh water locked up in glaciers and icecaps, global ice loss has become an issue of growing concern.

Fast Facts

1. 69% of fresh water is in glaciers and icecaps¹
2. 10% of the Earth is covered by glaciers
3. Bering Glacier is the largest glacier in the U.S.
4. Almost 500,000 sq/mi of sea ice depletion in the last three decades
5. 2007: United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) issued a report on the subject
6. Concerns include:
   • Rising sea levels
   • Lost access to drinking water
   • Increased risk of flooding
   • Acceleration of global warming
7. Sea level rises 0.005 inches per year

Consequences

A 2007 U.N. report determined that glacial reduction in the mountains of Asia could have catastrophic effects for the 40% of the world's population that relies on the glaciers for drinking water and irrigation. The study determined that the current rate of sea rise as a result of the melting ice will expose millions to greater risk of flooding.²

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