‘Ultimately, melting ice caps affect coastal regions’

Our coasts lines are receding, Sea water levels are rising and although we may not want to come to terms with the fact but  one of the main reasons for all this unchecked and unplanned development without giving a serious though to its effects on ecology and nature.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Ultimately-melting-ice-caps-affect-coastal-regions/articleshow/53817535.cms

Over the years, the vast ice cover around the North Pole has shrunk due to global warming. This has led to rise in sea levels which ultimately affects coastal regions like Goa, said Goa Science Centre and Planetarium, director, M M K Balaji.

“Due to the melting of the ice caps, the water is denser than the normal sea water, raising the sea level. This ultimately affects coastal regions as they are likely to submerge. Goa will definitely feel the impact,” he said.

He further added that from 1950 till date, the average global temperature has been increasing continuously. “Since then, it has increased by 0.9 degrees celsius,” said Balaji.

 He attributed a number of factors that are adding to global warming. “In Goa, there is rampant deforestation and conversion of agricultural land into developmental zones for real estate. Air pollution owing to dense traffic also increases chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). All these factors indirectly impact the arctic region,” he said.
Explaining this phenomenon, through a series of stunning images of the Norwegian Young Sea Ice Expedition 2015, the centre in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian consulate general has organized an exhibition titled ‘On Thin Ice’.

January 2015, the Norwegian Polar Institute sent its research vessel into the North Pole. On board were researchers who wanted explanations for climate change. These researchers took measurements in the constant polar night and concluded that people living in low-lying coastal areas will be affected as a result of melting glaciers.

 The exhibition consists of the knowledge gathered from this expedition. The Goa Science Centre is organizing the exhibition till September 22 at its premises inMiramar. From Goa, the exhibition will travel to Delhi and then Norway.