Inevitable Can We Slow the Doomsday Glacier? Arête on Glacial Intervention and Sea-Level Risk
Jun 2, 2025
Brent Minchew, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Arête Glacier Initiative, dives into the urgent crisis posed by melting glaciers, particularly the Thwaites or 'Doomsday Glacier.' He discusses how glacial intervention could mitigate sea-level rise and explores innovative solutions like thermo-siphons. Brent emphasizes the stark funding gap in glaciology research and its economic implications for coastal communities. He also highlights the need for international cooperation in Antarctic governance and urges investment in proactive climate strategies.
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Thwaites Glacier's Critical Role
- Thwaites Glacier is a massive, vulnerable glacier in West Antarctica driving potential rapid sea level rise.
- Its collapse could lead to a broader West Antarctic ice sheet collapse, causing large uncertainty in sea level forecasts.
Baked-In Glacial Instability
- Thwaites Glacier's instability is likely irreversible despite future CO2 reductions.
- The glacier's internal feedbacks ensure continued sea level rise regardless of emissions.
Sea Level Rise Displacement Risks
- Projected sea level rise by 2100 ranges from 1.5 to 6 feet, displacing millions.
- Worst-case collapse scenarios could displace up to a billion people globally.
