Cryosphere sliding outside "safe operating space" as Arctic and Antarctic ice cross stability thresholds
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Climate change and tipping points: a critical GS3 and Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
A study published in Science warns that the cryosphere is sliding outside its 'safe operating space' as Arctic and Antarctic ice cross stability thresholds due to fossil fuel burning.
Background
Research by the Stockholm Resilience Center indicates that Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, snow cover, and permafrost have already crossed stability thresholds. Albert Noström warned that these changes increase the risk of crossing dangerous tipping points for global climate stability.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TCryosphere: Includes Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, snow cover, and permafrost.
- FactStockholm Resilience Center: Research body that identified the cryosphere sliding outside its 'safe operating space'.
- PlaceArctic and Antarctic: Regions where sea ice and snow cover have crossed stability thresholds.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the cryosphere and climate stability, consider the following statements:
- Only Arctic sea ice has crossed stability thresholds due to fossil fuel burning.
- The cryosphere includes Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, snow cover, and permafrost.
- The cryosphere is currently within its safe operating space according to the Stockholm Resilience Center.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Both Arctic and Antarctic ice have crossed stability thresholds. Statement 3 is incorrect: The study warns the cryosphere is sliding outside its safe operating space.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the degradation of the cryosphere acts as a feedback loop in global climate change and its implications for global climate stability.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Feedback loop mechanism: Permafrost thaw releasing methane and CO2 accelerating atmospheric warming.
- Tipping point risk: Irreversible loss of albedo effect due to melting Arctic and Antarctic sea ice.
- Policy-science gap: Difficulty in aligning immediate fossil fuel reduction targets with long-term cryosphere stability.
Keywords: Cryosphere · Tipping points · Safe operating space · Feedback loops · Climate stability
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