Scientists: ‘Sea Level Rise Less Rapidly Than Predicted’; Doomsday Still Away

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

AMSTERDAM (Worthy News) – Researchers say the sea level may rise less rapidly than previously predicted by climate alarmists after new data on the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica was published in the scientific journal Science Advances.

Climate change-fearing scientists have long claimed that exposed ice cliffs in Antarctica could collapse “due to global warming.”

Last year, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) predicted in climate scenarios that the sea level could rise by up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) by 2100 if events, such as the destabilization of the Antarctic ice sheet, occur.

Yet based on computer models, American and British scientists conclude that the ice of the cliffs of the Thwaites Glacier is “too strong to collapse completely, “reported Dutch daily De Telegraaf (The Telegraph)
citing Science Advances.

The study published by Science Advances raises doubts about the so-called “high-emission scenario,” saying sea level rise will be between two meters (6.6 feet) and six meters (19.8 meters), and with problems in Antarctica, even more than 17 meters (55.9 feet).

Other scientists monitored by Worthy News had already raised doubts about what they view as climate scaremongering, saying many “climate alarmists” are paid by the United Nations or other governments.

GOOD NEWS?

Despite new evidence, the KNMI urged caution. “This is good news, but we cannot conclude based on one study that sea levels will definitely rise less,” said KNMI affiliated scientist Dewi Le Bars. “A lot of additional research is needed.”

Last year, the KNMI indicated that if the Antarctic ice sheet does not become unstable before 2100, the rise is expected at most 1.24 meters (about 4 feet) by 2100 and up to six meters (19.8 feet) by 2300.

The KNMI’s numbers are based “on the high-emission scenario,” the organization admitted. This scenario assumes a significant increase in emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels. Last year, experts already criticized “the tone” and rhetoric of the KNMI, calling it “an unlikely future.”

Le Bars admitted that the decision to communicate that high-emission scenario was deliberate. “If we don’t include the extremes in our charts, they will be forgotten. And we want policymakers to be aware of them,” the scientist said.

Yet he and other experts in the Netherlands are still cautious. Bart van den Hurk, scientific director at knowledge institute Deltares, said: “These results are good news. The effect of the ice caps on the rise of seawater levels is probably less than feared. Although there will undoubtedly be other studies that we need to keep an eye on.”

Water management has been a centuries-old issue in the Netherlands, with one-third of the country lying below sea level. If dykes were to breach, half of the country could be flooded, according to experts.

FRESH DEBATE

Yet the outcome of the latest sea level study was expected to fuel a fresh debate in the Netherlands on climate measures that have cost Dutch taxpayers billions of euros.

There have also been questions about expensive energy measures as the Netherlands and other European Union nations rush to become less reliant on fossil fuels.

Noisy wind turbines taking away spectacular views of the sea, lakes, and fields, as well as solar panel parks and pressures to fly less and drive expensive electric vehicles combined with high utility prices, added to citizens’ frustration.

Former Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten was asked how much his 28 billion euro ($31 billion) climate package would help reduce global warming. His answer was “0,000036 degrees” (32.0000648 Fahrenheit).

Visibly shocked, the opposition parliamentarian “had no more questions” to left-leaning Jetten, who was still minister then.

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