๐ The Growing Ice Sheets ๐ง
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Happy Friday ๐
You might already know that the Antarctic Ice Sheet plays a major role in global sea-level riseโฆ
Or that the ice sheets experienced a long-term accelerated loss, especially in West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula (glaciers in East Antarctica appeared relatively stable).
But did you know there had also been a surprising shift, with an abrupt gain in ice mass between 2021 and 2023?
Here are the impactful insights that I have for you today:
- The Antarctic ice sheet grows for the first time in decades ๐ง
- How climate-smart farming could slash agriculture emissions ๐งโ๐พ
- Empowering coastal communities to create thriving marine protected areas ๐
- Discussion of the week: reducing food waste in our daily lives ๐ฌ
- And moreโฆ ๐
๐ง Antarctic Ice Sheet Grows for First Time in Decades, Temporarily Slowing Sea Level Rise
1๏ธโฃ The big picture: The Antarctic Ice Sheet has historically been losing mass, contributing significantly to global sea level rise. From 2002 to 2020, this loss nearly doubled in rate, primarily due to accelerated melting in West Antarctica and key glacier basins in East Antarctica. Scientists monitoring these changes through satellite technology have now detected a surprising reversal. Between 2021 and 2023, the ice sheet experienced unprecedented mass gain driven by anomalous precipitation, temporarily pausing its contribution to sea level rise. Four major glaciers in East Antarctica, which previously showed concerning signs of accelerated loss, have also reversed course and gained mass during this period.
2๏ธโฃ Why is this good news: For the first time in decades, Antarcticaโs ice sheet is expanding rather than shrinking, temporarily offsetting global sea level rise by 0.30 mm per year. This unprecedented growth provides a natural buffer against rising oceans, giving coastal communities a brief reprieve from accelerating sea level threats. The reversal in mass loss trends across four critical glacier basins in East Antarctica is especially significant, as their complete disintegration could potentially trigger a global sea level rise exceeding 7 meters. This natural fluctuation demonstrates the dynamic nature of Earthโs climate systems and may provide valuable data for improving climate models by revealing mechanisms that can temporarily counteract ice loss trends.
3๏ธโฃ What’s next: Scientists need to determine whether this anomalous precipitation pattern represents a temporary fluctuation or signals a longer-term shift in Antarctic climate patterns. Research must continue monitoring these critical glacier basins to understand if this positive trend will persist beyond the 2021-2023 period. Climate models should be updated to incorporate this new data to improve future projections of sea level rise and Antarctic ice dynamics.
๐ข Three More Good News
๐งโ๐พ How Climate-Smart Farming Could Slash Agriculture Emissions by 70%:
- ๐ฐ The quick summary: Climate-smart agriculture practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grain production by up to 70% by 2036 while improving yields and ensuring food security for our growing population.
- ๐ One key stat: Human-induced climate change has slowed agricultural production by 21% since 1961, equivalent to losing seven years of productivity.
- ๐ฌ One key quote: โThe climate-smart farming approach helps smallholder farmers improve decision-making for greater productivity, taking into account local conditions and requiring a holistic approach based on current and future climate change effects and viable adaptation strategies.โ
๐ The New Initiative That Empowers Coastal Communities to Create Thriving Marine Protected Areas:
- ๐ฐ The quick summary: A new initiative called Revive Our Ocean has launched to help coastal communities create marine protected areas that restore ocean health and boost local economies simultaneously.
- ๐ One key stat: Only 3% of the ocean is fully protected despite evidence that well-designed marine reserves generate significant economic returns, with Spainโs Medes Islands Marine Reserve generating โฌ16 million annually from just one square kilometer of protection.
- ๐ฌ One key quote: โCoastal marine protection is a good business,โ notes Kristin Rechberger, founder of Dynamic Planet and the driving force behind Revive Our Ocean.
๐งฑ Chinaโs Green Great Wall Creates 3,000-Kilometer Living Barrier Against Desertification:
- ๐ฐ The quick summary: Chinaโs Three-North Shelterbelt Program has doubled forest coverage in northern regions from 5% to over 10% since 1978, creating a 3,000-kilometer living barrier against desertification while supporting food security and local economies.
- ๐ One key stat: Over 30 million hectares of trees have been planted across 4 million square kilometers, increasing forest coverage from 5% to more than 10% by mid-2020.
- ๐ฌ One key quote: The Three-North Shelterbelt Program (TNSP) or the โGreen Great Wall,โ this project represents one of the most ambitious ecological restoration efforts ever attempted.
๐ข Even More Good News Headlines From This Week
๐ช Innovative new solar glass powers buildings with 50% energy savings
๐๏ธ Rivers gain legal rights in 30 countries, sparking global shift
๐ฆ Rediscovery of rare bats spurs conservation efforts in Rwanda
๐ฅ How scientists are engineering climate-proof potatoes
โ๏ธ Upholding a milestone ruling that targets fossil fuel ads
๐ชธ Discovering a hidden trove of biodiversity
๐ฌ Discussion of the Week: Reducing Food Waste in Our Daily Lives
Welcome to our new section, where we spark meaningful discussions about everyday topics that can create a real positive impact in our lives!
This weekโs discussion topic: How can we reduce food waste in our daily lives?
- What are some simple steps we can take to minimize food waste in your home?
- How do your food shopping and meal planning habits help reduce the amount of food you throw away?
- Are there any organizations or initiatives focused on reducing food waste that you support or would recommend to others?
Iโd love to hear your stories and tips, so we can inspire each other to make more sustainable food choices!
For our founding community members, keep the conversation going in our forum here.
Want to join our community when we reopen? Just reply to this emailโIโd love to personally add you to our waitlist so youโll be the first to know all about it ๐
๐ค Important Awareness Events at a Glance
๐ง Mental Health Awareness Month:
- Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental wellness.
- It highlights the importance of mental health care, encourages open discussions, and provides resources to help those affected by mental health conditions.
- By raising awareness, Mental Health Awareness Month helps to foster a more supportive and informed community, encouraging individuals to seek help and engage in conversations about mental wellness.
๐๏ธ May 3, World Press Freedom Day:
- World Press Freedom Day emphasizes the crucial role of free media in fostering democracy, transparency, and human rights.
- It celebrates the brave journalists who risk their lives to report the truth while shining a light on the growing threats to press freedom, including censorship, imprisonment, and violence against journalists.
๐ May 4, International Respect for Chickens Day:
- International Respect for Chickens Day was founded as a way to stand against the abuse that chickens often face.
- From factory farming, to battery cages, to slaughter, animal rights activists rightly believe that this treatment is unethical, and aim to eliminate this suffering from the world.
Related: You can discover all the 165 most important awareness events (for the month, days, weeks) in our awareness calendar for May 2025!
๐ These Days in History
๐ฌ๐ง May 2, 1997: Tony Blair was elected as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Blair was one of the youngest people to ever hold the office and his tenure marked the first time the Labour Party had been in power in almost 20 years.
๐ May 3, 1996: A revision of the Geneva convention decided to include landmines and other such weaponry on their disarmament plan. This was an important moment for world peace.
๐ May 4, 1961: The first Freedom Ride took place, a series of anti-segregation protests raising awareness for discrimination on public transport. This series of protests put pressure on the US government to enforce anti-segregation laws, particularly in Southern states.
๐ญ Quote of the Day
โWhatever the dangers of action we take, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater.โ
โ Tony Blair; British politician and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Share the news with your friends to make a bigger positive impact on the world and society!
Stay impactful ๐
