Antarctica's ice cover surprises with unexpected rebound
Antarctica, a continent symbolising climate change, has once again captured global attention. The latest research published in the journal "Science China Earth Sciences" reveals that from 2021 to 2023, Antarctica's ice cover increased by approximately 108 billion tonnes annually. This marks the first significant rise after decades of relentless ice mass loss.
The authors of the study attribute this unexpected growth to increased snowfall, particularly in the eastern part of the continent. These changes have led to increased ice accumulation, which has altered Antarctica's impact on global sea levels – instead of rising nearly 0.5 millimetres per year, this rate has fallen by about 0.3 millimetres.
In the past, Antarctica was losing ice at an alarming rate. Between 2002 and 2010, the average loss was 74 billion tonnes per year, rising to 142 billion tonnes in the following decade. These figures were a serious warning sign for scientists and societies.
The most vulnerable to losses proved to be glaciers in the Wilkes Land–Queen Mary Land region, including Totten, Moscow University, Denman, and Vincennes Bay. According to data from Dr Wei Wang of Tonji University, Vincennes Bay and Denman shrank by up to 72.5% of their area.
The internet reacts: From euphoria to scepticism
The news of ice growth sparked a flurry of comments on social media. A user on platform X, Collin Rugg, described the new data as "crazy," adding that scientists attribute this trend mainly to temporary precipitation patterns. Another simply exclaimed, "Oh my God!"
This didn't stop others from more pointed reactions. Kevin Smith, known for his conservative views, asked ironically, "So Al Gore was wrong again???" Investor Chamath Palihapitiya stated, "All the protests and virtue signaling worked!!!," while Derrick Evans mocked, "Poor Greta will have to come up with a new scam."
Scientists temper the mood. It's not the end of climate change
Despite some internet users' excitement, experts emphasise that the ice growth may be just a temporary anomaly. Professor Ryan Katz-Rosene from the University of Ottawa reminded everyone that the trend of ice melting in Antarctica has been ongoing since the 1980s.
Journalist Laura Shin noted that the drop in emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic might have temporarily impacted the climate, but it is not a lasting solution.
NASA data: Antarctica vs Greenland
NASA's GRACE and GRACE Follow-On missions provided long-term data on ice mass loss. Since 2002, Antarctica has been losing an average of 136 billion tonnes annually, while Greenland has been losing as much as 267 billion tonnes. Despite the recent increases, Antarctica's ice cover remains in a long-term downward trend, although current levels are slightly higher than in 2021.
Symbolic battle of narratives
The new data has become another arena of dispute between proponents and opponents of the theory of the catastrophic impact of human activity on the climate. Although the recent increase in ice cover may be short-lived, it has become a tool in political and media debates.
One thing remains certain: Antarctica is still a continent whose changes will be crucial for the future of our planet — regardless of temporary increases or decreases in ice.
Read also: Pink snow. Alarming phenomenon in Antarctica
