Concerned over the rapid decline of Earth’s ice caps and glaciers, France is spending $1 billion on polar research over the next decade. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a summit with polar countries and scientists. Experts warn that temperatures in the Arctic are rising 4 times faster and half of all glaciers could disappear by 2100. France wants climate action at upcoming UN talks.
Effects of disappearing ice
- Disappearing ice currently threatens millions of people, but shrinking glaciers that provide water and reflecting capacity will threaten billions more.
- Scientists warn of catastrophic and irreversible points as dark oceans absorb more heat where ice once reflected sunlight.
Possible emergency measures
- Proposed steps like cleaning up soot deposits that blacken the ice and sealing methane leaks could sharply slow the rate of ice melting.
- But many experts say drastic cuts in emissions are needed to avert disaster.
France’s $1 billion response
- A new French polar research vessel will be part of France’s 10-year, $1 billion polar science initiative.
- France, with the support of 20 other countries so far, is calling for the polar oceans to be protected from seawater exploitation.