Glacier Melting: It's Happening Before Our Eyes

The following is an article found on "opposingviews.com," written by Lisa Speer:

"The Arctic ice cap is melting. Summer Arctic sea ice fell in 2007 to the lowest level since satellite measurements began in 1979, and scientists now predict that the Arctic may become ice-free in summer as early as 2013. This will have dramatic impacts on the entire ice-based marine food web, from plankton to polar bears, and on the Arctic peoples who rely on these animals. Larry and Alain will likely see signs of these and other profound changes on their travels.

On top of melting sea ice and warming ocean temperatures, additional impacts are likely from new or expanded industrial activity - fishing, shipping, oil and gas development, cruise ship tourism - made possible by the retreat of the ice."


It is not theory that glaciers are melting, and much evidence shows that the rate has accelerated in recent years. While it is highly debatable why--with both sides of global warming battling--the statistics aren't debatable.

While many believe global warming is a phenomenon, and truly a natural process that the earth has gone through in cycles since its existence, it is highly probable that global warming is caused by human impact. Whether it be the expanding industrial activity, as stated in the article, or the accumulation of daily human activity and its slow degradation of the environment, it is evident that Earth is currently experiencing a prolonged and exponentially increasing climatic warming.

The melting of the Arctic ice cap, the topic of the article above, has caused much speculation revolving around the issue of global warming. The scientific evidence proves that it is currently melting and experiencing an overall decrease in size until it's ultimate disappearance in 2013. The aftermath will obviously be the most overwhelming for the animals inhabiting this polar region. There has been evidence of polar bears and other mammals, that depend on the ice caps for survival, that have drowned while going through their migration process. Usually, these mammals use the ice caps to rest while in route to their new locations. Without them, they swim in an exhausted state until their death.

Without polar bears, fish populations exponentially grow until overabundance. This abundance of fish could be viewed as an asset, as it would feed more people, therefore decreasing worldwide hunger. However, it should also be taken into consideration as a negative affect, as it would increase industrial activity in the fishing industry, therefore adding to the vicious cycle of global warming.

I believe global warming is a combination of earth's natural process and human activity--especially in the past several centuries. As technology is advancing and more devices that have the potential to cause pollution are produced, the increase in production of man-made goods ultimately leads to a magnified amount of harmful effects to the atmosphere. Glacier melting is the most direct effect of global warming. This is something we must observe, as it is causing and will continue to cause sea levels to rise, which will negatively affect the food chain. This will ultimately have a detrimental effect on the human race.