What would happen to Earth if all of its Ice melts?

As we delve into the intricate tapestry of our planet's history, we find ourselves confronted by a stark reality—the Earth is undergoing profound changes, and humanity must reckon with the consequences. This journey through the annals of climate science, sponsored by the thought-provoking film, "An Inconvenient Sequel," beckons us to confront the pressing issue of global warming.

The undeniable truth is that the Earth is warming, a phenomenon substantiated by a relentless surge in global temperatures. Since 1880, the planet's average temperature has ascended by 1.1 °C. The 21st century, in particular, has witnessed an alarming trend, with 16 of the 17 hottest years recorded occurring since 2001. NASA's unequivocal assertion attributes a 95% probability of this warming to human activities since the mid-20th century. The consensus among climate scientists is overwhelming, with 97 out of 100 actively publishing experts concurring that human activity is the primary catalyst for this warming trend.

One conspicuous consequence of this warming is the accelerated melting of ice across the globe, culminating in a rise in sea levels. The seas, custodians of Earth's history, have borne witness to profound transformations. Over the course of the 19th century, sea levels rose by a seemingly innocuous 6 cm. However, the 20th century unfurled a different narrative, witnessing a surge of 19 cm—over three times the rate of the previous century. Projections by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) portend an ominous scenario: global sea levels could escalate by a staggering 2.5 meters by the year 2100, unleashing catastrophic repercussions.

The specter of rising sea levels carries a dire prophecy—entire nations may be swallowed by the encroaching waters. The Maldives, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Tuvalu teeter on the brink of submersion, necessitating the displacement of their entire populations. This precipitates a dire predicament, as hundreds of thousands of stateless individuals seek refuge, becoming harbingers of an emerging crisis. The extrapolation of this crisis to the year 2050 forecasts 150 million climate refugees globally, a figure that swells to a staggering 2 billion by 2100, constituting 18% of the projected global population.

Yet, even amidst these ominous projections, a more chilling scenario looms—if all the ice on Earth were to melt. The hypothetical dissolution of ice from Antarctica, Greenland, and the world's glaciers would unleash a torrential rise in global sea levels, a vertiginous surge of 68.3 meters. While this apocalyptic deluge would unfold over 5,000 years at the current rate of ice melting, its impact would be seismic, reshaping the very geography of our planet.

The North American landscape would be irrevocably altered, with Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and Los Angeles submerged. San Francisco would metamorphose into an island, and San Jose would succumb to the relentless waves. The Atlantic Coast, too, would bear witness to unparalleled transformations, with cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Boston succumbing to the relentless advance of the ocean. Europe, gripped by the tendrils of this catastrophe, would see the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and the British Isles relinquish their terrestrial identities to the engulfing sea. London, a symbol of resilience, would be entombed beneath the waves.

As we traverse the continents in this cataclysmic narrative, Africa would stand as a testament to its resilience, yet Egypt would grapple with the submersion of Alexandria and Cairo. The Persian Gulf, a cradle of ancient civilizations, would obliterate the countries of Qatar, Bahrain, and the city of Baghdad. The populous nations of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh would reel under the impact, with millions facing submersion. Asia's metropolises, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Pyongyang, and Tokyo, would succumb to the inexorable tide. Australia, too, would bear witness to a transformation—a new inland sea rising in its midst. Antarctica, the frozen frontier, would shift from an icy expanse to a habitable archipelago, beckoning future settlers.

As we stand at the precipice of this foreboding future, the question echoes—what can humanity do to avert this cataclysm? The resounding answer lies in mitigating our reliance on fossil fuels. Countries pioneering renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, offer a glimmer of hope. A concerted effort is underway, with global investments in renewable energy witnessing a 57% surge between 2008 and 2015. The European Union has doubled its renewable energy production, signifying a paradigm shift. The collaborative commitment of 195 nations, encapsulated in the Paris Climate Accord, reinforces the collective endeavor to combat global warming.

As the stakes escalate, a burgeoning energy revolution emerges on the horizon. "An Inconvenient Sequel," a cinematic testament to the urgency of climate action, invites us to delve deeper into the complex web of climate change. The film, set to be released in New York and Los Angeles on July 28th, and nationwide on August 4th, serves as a clarion call to action. To watch the film is to actively participate in the dialogue on climate change, delving into the intricacies beyond the purview of a brief YouTube video.

In a world where inconvenient truths demand our attention, the narrative of climate change unfolds as a call to collective responsibility. The Earth, our shared abode, beckons us to transcend the boundaries of individual actions, fostering a commitment to sustainable practices. As the indomitable force of nature surges, we stand at the crossroads of choice—will we be passive spectators to the unraveling of our planet, or will we rise to the occasion and script a narrative of resilience, sustainability, and hope? The journey of discovery continues, and it is our collective responsibility to navigate the path toward a harmonious coexistence with the Earth we call home.