Talk on the impact of climate change on ice coverage

Climate Change: From Ice to High seas was the focus of a talk by the Director of Science at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Honorary Professor at Swansea University of United Kingdom, Professor David Vaughan, last week, at the State House in Reduit in the presence of the President of the Republic, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and other personalities.

According to Professor Vaughan, most factors contributing to sea-level rise can now be predicted with more confidence. The greatest remaining uncertainty, he stressed, concerns the impact of ice-loss from polar ice sheets.

Speaking about the drastic collapse of Antarctic ice sheet, he underlined that it could double the sea-level rise to two metres by 2100 if carbon emissions are not cut down. Thermal expansion, formation of glaciers and the sinking of lands contribute to rising sea-level, he added.

Some 75% of the world’s coastline is being affected by the accelerating sea-level rise, stated Professor Vaughan. Consequently, islands and countries around the coastline are more at risk, he pointed out. In this regard, he highlighted that it is time to think on the strategic requirement for Mauritius against climate change and to identify areas where the BAS and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) can help to better protect and anticipate the impacts of sea-level rise.

Furthermore, Professor Vaughan elaborated on the NERC, which supports scientific research and advises the Government in United Kingdom. He also recalled that BAS is engaged in activities which help address issues of global importance.