The Greenland ice sheet experienced its first-ever recorded rainfall in August, a concerning event linked to climate change. This unprecedented rainfall, at a record altitude, signifies the accelerating pace of global warming and poses a significant risk of future sea-level rise, potentially displacing tens of millions of people by 2030 and hundreds of millions by the end of the century.
Rainfall on Greenland
• 00:00:05 In August 2021, for the first time in recorded history, rain fell on the summit of the Greenland ice sheet, an extreme event indicating a warming climate. This rain, at over 3,000 meters, was observed for many hours and signifies a potential tipping point for global warming, as the ice sheet is melting at an accelerated rate.
Climate Change Impacts
• 00:01:17 The melting of the Greenland ice sheet, the world's second-largest, due to rising temperatures, presents a major threat. If the current rate of melting continues, scientists estimate that tens of millions of people could face annual floods and displacement by 2030. By the end of the century, when Antarctica's ice begins to melt significantly, the number of people at risk could rise to half a billion.