Exploring the emergence of the ‘Ambition on Melting Ice (AMI) on Sea-level Rise and Mountain Water Resources’ group is necessary. Introduced at COP27, this high-level consortium, consisting of 18 governments, is taking bold measures to combat climate change. Its main objective is to ensure that political leaders and the general public understand the implications of cryosphere loss not only in mountainous and polar regions, but across the entire planet. Co-chaired by Chile and Iceland, the coalition also includes Peru, the Czech Republic, Nepal, Finland, Senegal, the Kyrgyz Republic, Samoa, Georgia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Monaco, Vanuatu, Sweden, Tanzania, Liberia, Norway, and Mexico.
Declaration of the Group: Understanding the Gravity of the Situation
Climate change has caused significant alterations in the global cryosphere, threatening lives and livelihoods. Indigenous communities in Arctic and mountain regions are among the most affected. Reports from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle underscore the likelihood of these changes exacerbating with continued global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This will have far-reaching effects on both polar and mountain regions and other areas such as polar fisheries due to rapid acidification of polar oceans. It is projected that this critical threshold will be reached within 12 years.
Preventive Measures: A Global Concern
The protection of the cryosphere through vigorous climate action isn’t just a concern for those inhabiting mountainous and polar regions; it is a matter of urgent global interest. Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions rapidly is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5°C, thus preventing extensive cryosphere losses and potential catastrophes. Pre-2030 emission reductions need urgent attention for the benefit of all societies.
The Cryosphere: Unpacking the Concept
The cryosphere is a vital part of Earth’s climate system. It consists of solid precipitation, snow, sea ice, lake and river ice, icebergs, glaciers and ice caps, ice sheets, ice shelves, permafrost, and seasonally frozen ground. The term “cryosphere” is derived from the Greek word ‘kryos’ meaning frost or cold. Spanning globally, the cryosphere exists at most latitudes, not only in Arctic, Antarctic, and mountain regions. Approximately 70% of the Earth’s freshwater exists in the form of snow or ice.
Impacts of Cryosphere on Global Climate
Due to its high albedo, snow and ice reflect most light, preventing absorption and cooling the earth. Hence, their presence or absence greatly influences Earth’s heating and cooling. This tampering with Earth’s energy balance could instigate a feedback loop where increased warming leads to more ice melting, causing further warming. Furthermore, the potential for permafrost to release substantial amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, potent greenhouse gases, could exacerbate global warming.
Dire Consequences: Melting of the Cryosphere
Melting in the cryosphere impacts the volume of water in oceans, which then affects the global heat budget and consequently, the global climate. Emission of greenhouse gases and alterations in albedo due to a melting Arctic are projected to double the Arctic’s contribution to global warming by 2100.
