Story perspectives
West Antarctica's Glaciers Threaten Major Coastal Cities
12/1/2025
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Story summary
- A rapid destabilization of West Antarctica's glaciers could leave major cities such as New York and Miami struggling to adapt.
- Glaciologist Karen Alley notes the potential for a runaway process and says its immediacy remains uncertain.
- The West Antarctic Ice Sheet, larger than Alaska and Texas combined, lies below sea level and is especially vulnerable.
- This geography raises concerns about coastal populations as sea levels rise.
