Antarctic 2024: Another Giant Antarctic Iceberg Breaks Free
Key Takeaway
The recentcalving of a giant iceberg (A-83) from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica is another sign of the weakening ice shelves due to rising global temperatures.
Summary
A large iceberg measuring 380 square kilometers (147 square miles) named A-83 broke away from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica on May 20th, 2024.
This is the third major calving event in Antarctica in the last four years, following A-74 in 2021 and A-81 in 2023.
The calving is attributed to the weakening of ice caused by the McDonald Ice Rumples and the extension of the ‘Halloween Crack’ in the Brunt Ice Shelf.
Scientists use satellite data to monitor ice shelf health in response to climate change.
The iceberg doesn’t pose a threat to the Halley VI Research Station, which was relocated earlier due to ice shelf instability.
The ongoing ice loss in Antarctica is a worrying sign of global warming, leading to sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and further temperature increase.
Monitoring polar ice plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation and reduction strategies.
Data on brightness temperature is from the U.S. Landsat 8 mission. Credit: ESA/USGS
Another Antarctic Iceberg Breaks Away
The icy expanse of Antarctica is constantly changing, but a recent event has scientists raising a collective eyebrow. On May 20th, 2024, a massive iceberg measuring a staggering 380 square kilometers (147 square miles) broke away from the Brunt Ice Shelf. This behemoth, named A-83, marks the third significant calving event in Antarctica in just four years, following A-74 in 2021 and the even larger A-81 in 2023.
These repeated calving events are a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change on the Earth’s polar regions. The Brunt Ice Shelf is a critical buttress for glaciers flowing into the Weddell Sea. As the ice shelf weakens, these glaciers lose support and accelerate their flow into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels.
Thankfully, sophisticated Earth observation satellites are keeping a watchful eye on Antarctica. ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-1 and NASA’s Landsat 8 played a vital role in capturing the calving event. Sentinel-1, with its radar imaging capabilities, can see through clouds and darkness, providing valuable data year-round. Landsat 8, on the other hand, uses thermal imaging to help scientists assess ice sheet thickness. By analyzing these different datasets, scientists can monitor changes in ice shelves and understand the mechanisms driving calving events.
The good news is that the A-83 iceberg doesn’t pose an immediate threat to the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley VI Research Station. The station was strategically relocated in 2017 due to concerns about ice shelf stability. However, the bigger picture remains a cause for concern. The ongoing loss of ice from Antarctica is a significant contributor to rising sea levels. This, in turn, threatens coastal communities around the world with increased flooding and erosion.
Furthermore, as polar ice sheets melt, they expose darker ocean surfaces that absorb more solar radiation. This creates a vicious cycle, accelerating global warming even further.
The recent calving event in Antarctica underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. Continued monitoring of the polar ice caps through advanced satellite technology is crucial for understanding the pace and impact of ice loss. This data is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and adaptation plans to tackle the challenges posed by a warming planet.
This isn’t just a story about a giant iceberg breaking free. It’s a story about the interconnectedness of our planet and the far-reaching consequences of climate change. By understanding the science behind these events, we can take informed action to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
Established in 1985, the Ministry evolved from a Department of Environment to address growing environmental concerns. It focuses on the conservation of flora and fauna, pollution control, afforestation, and climate change reduction. The Ministry is structured into various authorities, subordinate offices, and autonomous institutions. Key initiatives include the National Resource Efficiency Policy and substantial funding for afforestation projects.
Various subordinate offices and autonomous institutions
Significant Policies:
Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy
Extensive funding for afforestation and forest conservation
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change: An In-depth Analysis
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) plays a crucial role in shaping India’s environmental setting. Formed in 1985, the ministry’s journey reflects India’s increasing awareness and response to environmental challenges. Its responsibilities involve a wide array of activities, from conserving biodiversity to controlling pollution and reducing climate change effects.
Formation and Evolution
Environmental issues began to gain national political attention during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister. The 4th Five-Year Plan (1969–74) highlighted the importance of “harmonious development based on a comprehensive appraisal of environmental issues.” The establishment of the federal Department of Environment in 1980 laid the groundwork for the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which was formed in 1985. The ministry was renamed to include Climate Change in 2014, reflecting the rising global urgency to address climate issues.
Organizational Structure
The MoEFCC’s administrative structure is comprehensive, ensuring effective management and execution of its responsibilities. The ministry is headquartered at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi and operates under a substantial annual budget of 2,870 crore (US$360 million) as of 2021–22.
Key Authorities and Institutions
Indian Forest Service (IFS): The ministry is the cadre controlling authority for the IFS, which plays a crucial role in forest conservation and management.
Central Zoo Authority of India: Oversees the functioning of zoos across India to ensure the best practices in animal care and conservation.
National Biodiversity Authority: Based in Chennai, it implements India’s biodiversity laws.
National Tiger Conservation Authority: Ensures the protection and conservation of tigers in India.
Subordinate Offices
Botanical Survey of India (BSI): Located in Kolkata, it conducts surveys of plant resources across the country.
Central Pollution Control Board: Implements environmental laws and regulations related to pollution control.
Forest Survey of India: Assesses the forest cover and forest resources.
Autonomous Institutions
Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Located in Dehradun, it provides training and research in wildlife conservation.
Indian Institute of Forest Management: Based in Bhopal, it focuses on research and education in forest management.
ecology landscape
Key Responsibilities
The MoEFCC’s responsibilities are vast and varied, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of environmental governance. Some of the primary activities include:
Conservation and Survey of Flora and Fauna: The ministry undertakes extensive surveys and conservation efforts to protect India’s rich biodiversity.
Pollution Control: It implements measures to control pollution from various sources, ensuring cleaner air, water, and soil.
Sustainable Development of the Indian Himalayan Environment: The ministry focuses on the sustainable development of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Afforestation and Land Degradation Mitigation: It promotes afforestation and measures to prevent and reduce land degradation.
Significant Initiatives
National Resource Efficiency Policy
In August 2019, the MoEFCC released the Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy. This policy aims to guide India towards environmentally sustainable and equitable economic growth. The policy is built on principles such as reducing primary resource consumption, creating higher value with less material through a circular economy approach, minimizing waste, ensuring material security, and fostering employment opportunities through environmentally beneficial business models.
Key Features of the Policy:
National Resource Efficiency Authority: Establishment of an authority to oversee the implementation of the policy.
Tax Benefits and Soft Loans: Offering incentives for using recycled materials and setting up waste disposal and material recovery facilities.
Afforestation Funding
By December 2021, various states in India had received over 47,000 crore for afforestation efforts. This funding is directed towards:
Plantations: Establishing new forested areas.
Assisted Natural Forest Regeneration: Supporting the natural regeneration of forests.
Forest Fire Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent forest fires.
Pest and Disease Control: Controlling pests and diseases that affect forests.
Soil and Moisture Conservation: Enhancing soil and moisture conservation efforts to support forest health.
Historical Context and Political Influence
Environmental concerns have been part of India’s political discourse since the early years of independence. The inclusion of Article 48A in the Constitution during Indira Gandhi’s administration marked a significant shift, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to protect and improve the environment. This period also saw wildlife and forests being moved from the state list to the concurrent list, allowing the central government to have a greater say in environmental matters.
Ministerial Leadership
The leadership of the MoEFCC has seen several influential figures who have contributed to shaping India’s environmental policies. Some notable ministers include:
Rajiv Gandhi: Served as the first Minister of Environment and Forests while he was the Prime Minister.
Maneka Gandhi: Known for her strong stance on animal rights and environmental conservation.
Jairam Ramesh: Instrumental in implementing several environmental regulations during his tenure.
Prakash Javadekar: Led the ministry during the critical period when climate change gained prominence.
Bhupender Yadav: The current minister, focusing on comprehensive environmental policies and initiatives.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is a cornerstone of India’s environmental governance framework. Its evolution reflects India’s growing commitment to addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development. Through its various initiatives and policies, the ministry aims to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for the country.
“Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Government of India”. Envfor.nic.in. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
“Comments called for on the Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy Released”. Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
“EU-India joint declaration on resource efficiency and circular economy(PDF)”. Consilium.europa.eu. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
Hashtags
#Environment, #ClimateChange, #Forestry, #Conservation, #India, #SustainableDevelopment, #PollutionControl, #Afforestation, #Biodiversity, #MoEFCC, #Ministry of Forest and Climate Change
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