Summary
A warming atmosphere is creating concern in the Arctic Circle and on the continent of Antarctica. The Arctic Report Card shows high temperatures, shrinking sea ice and extreme melting events are transforming the region. At the opposite pole, in Antarctica, a key ice shelf that sits in front of the Thwaites Glacier, could break up much sooner than expected — within 5 years.
Five Facts
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Who
is interviewed in this piece, and what is his background?
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What
is the Thwaites glacier and where is it?
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Why
are scientists alarmed about the rapid melt of the Thwaites glacier?
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How
will ice melt at the poles potentially affect people in the United States?
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How
many feet could seas rise if the Thwaites and neighboring glaciers melted, according to Dr. Holland?
Focus Questions
If Dr. Holland's warning is accurate and seas rise by ten feet, how do you think that would impact coastal cities in the U.S.? How could we best prepare for such a change?
Media literacy:
Do you think this piece makes a clear connection between burning of fossil fuels and melting of polar ice? What else would you want to know to better understand the connection?
