Fact Check: Greenland's glaciers have thinned or retreated nearly everywhere in recent decades.

Fact Check: "Greenland's glaciers have thinned or retreated nearly everywhere in recent decades."

What We Know

Recent studies confirm that Greenland's glaciers have indeed experienced significant thinning and retreat across the majority of the landmass in recent decades. A comprehensive analysis of satellite data conducted by researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory indicates that the Greenland Ice Sheet has lost about one-fifth more mass than previously estimated, with 179 out of 207 glaciers studied showing significant retreat since 1985 (NASA). Furthermore, a study from Northwestern University and the University of Copenhagen highlights that the rate of glacial retreat has doubled in the 21st century compared to the 20th century, affecting glaciers across various climate zones in Greenland (Northwestern University).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple reputable sources. The NASA study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, utilized nearly a quarter million pieces of satellite data to assess glacier positions from 1985 to 2022. This extensive dataset provides a comprehensive view of glacial retreat, showing that most glaciers have retreated significantly, with only one glacier showing slight growth (NASA).

The Northwestern University study corroborates these findings, emphasizing that the retreat rate has accelerated dramatically over the past two decades. The research team combined satellite imagery with historical aerial photographs to document changes in over 1,000 glaciers, revealing that the current rate of retreat is unprecedented on a century timescale (Northwestern University).

Both studies are published by credible institutions and are backed by extensive data collection methods, including satellite observations and historical records. The reliability of these sources is high, given their affiliation with leading research organizations and their use of rigorous scientific methodologies.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Greenland's glaciers have thinned or retreated nearly everywhere in recent decades" is supported by substantial evidence from multiple scientific studies. The consistent findings across these studies indicate a widespread and significant retreat of glaciers in Greenland, particularly in the last two decades, aligning with observed trends in climate change.

Sources

1. More Greenland Ice Lost Than Previously Estimated
2. Greenland's glacier retreat rate has doubled over past two decades
3. Greenland's glacier retreat rate doubles in past two decades
4. Warming Seas Are Accelerating Greenland's Glacier Retreat
5. Greenland's Ice Is Melting - UCAR Center for Science Education
6. Greenland-wide accelerated retreat of peripheral glaciers