The Giving Capsules with Baptista Sarah Gebu: Melting Point: Glacier funerals signal humanity's future  

In recent years, communities have held funeral services for glaciers. They mourn the loss of ice as they would a loved one. But why are glaciers melting so quickly? What does this mean for humanity? And what can we do to stop this crisis?

These symbolic funerals raise awareness about glacier loss. Many believe climate change is the main cause. This loss contributes to rising sea levels and affects ecosystems and water supplies. Ghana is also facing challenges from this crisis.

Glaciers are more than frozen water; they are vital to Earth's climate system. They reflect sunlight, regulate temperatures, and provide freshwater to billions. Major rivers like the Ganges and Colorado depend on glacial melt. Their disappearance threatens water security, agriculture, and biodiversity.

In Nepal, a ceremony honored the Yala Glacier. It has shrunk by 66% since the 1970s, receding nearly 800 meters. Climate scientists and local communities gathered to remember it. This event was a warning about our changing climate.

If we know how to address climate change, why aren’t we acting? The primary reason glaciers are melting is global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Other factors include black carbon deposits that reduce ice reflectivity and ocean warming that erodes glaciers from below.

Extreme weather events disrupt natural ice accumulation patterns too. Scientific data shows Antarctica loses 136 billion tons of ice yearly. Greenland sheds 267 billion tons annually as well. Global sea levels have risen by 8–9 inches since 1880.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported alarming trends in sea level rise in 2024. Since the late 19th century, glaciers worldwide have lost about 14% of their mass according to IPCC data from 2021.

Between 2000 and 2019, glaciers lost around 335 billion tons of ice each year. Projections suggest this rate could increase by 50% by 2100 under high-emission scenarios.

Rising sea levels lead to coastal flooding in cities like New York and Mumbai. Ghana faces similar challenges with increasing flood risks too. Low-lying nations lose land to the sea, forcing migration.

Economic disruptions affect tourism, agriculture, and fisheries due to ecosystem collapse. Half of Ghana’s coastline is vulnerable to erosion from rising seas.

Communities face forced migration as seawater encroaches on land due to flooding risks. Infrastructure like roads and homes will be increasingly at risk too.

Coastal protection measures exist but vary in effectiveness globally. Miami Beach struggles with coastal erosion despite efforts for protection measures.

In contrast, the Netherlands has an effective coastal defense system with dunes and dikes protecting low-lying areas from flooding.

To combat these issues, we need climate-resilient infrastructure designed for flooding resilience and community adaptation programs that educate vulnerable populations about relocation options.

If current trends continue, many glaciers may vanish within decades leading to extreme weather events and food shortages globally.

However, there is hope that humanity can slow glacier melt with available resources and political will.

The funeral for glaciers serves as a wake-up call for action now! Governments, businesses, and individuals must all play their part in preserving what remains of our planet's ice masses.

Understanding these issues is crucial before taking action against climate change impacts on our future.
For further reading:

Visit NASA or United Nations websites for more information on climate research.
Read "Discover Your Employability," which includes insights on climate change.
Baptista S. Gebu leads ProHumane Afrique International focusing on sustainable solutions through community initiatives.
Call or WhatsApp: +233(0)262-213-313 for more information or support.