Greenland Ice Sheet Shrinks 30th Year in a Row
The Greenland ice sheet has been shrinking for 30 consecutive years, with significant ice loss in the 2025/26 season, according to Denmark and Greenland's National Geological Survey (GEUS). Scientists attribute this to long-term global warming, warning of rising sea levels and potential impacts on ocean currents.
Consensus
- The Greenland ice sheet has been shrinking for 31 consecutive years.
- The ice sheet covers about 80% of Greenland's territory.
- The ice loss in the 2024/25 season was 130 billion tons.
- The ice loss in the 2025/16 season was 173 billion tons.
- The last time the ice sheet increased was in the 1995/96 season.
- The record ice loss occurred in 2012, at 458 billion tons.
- Scientists describe the trend as a long-term climate signal, not temporary fluctuation.
- The ice loss contributes to rising global sea levels.
- The National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) provides the data.
Points of divergence
- The loss of ice in 2025/26 is not record-breaking, as the 2012 loss was higher. — vm
- Scientists warn that the influx of fresh water from melting ice may affect global ocean currents. — vm
- Russian territories at risk of flooding include Saint Petersburg, Western Siberia, and the Baltic coast. — vm
- Andrey Kiselev, a climatologist from the Main Geophysical Observatory, was interviewed about Saint Petersburg's vulnerability to sea level rise. — vm
- Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, stated that melting ice will increase Arctic transport accessibility. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- GEUS: Ice cover of Greenland shrinks for the 30th year in a row — Вечерняя Москва
- Ice cover of Greenland shrinks for the 30th year in a row — Вести