I AM dismayed at the bare mention in the media of the collapse of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The flippant "since it floats on water, sea levels worldwide won't be affected" so understates the consequences as to be criminal.
In 1993, if nothing were done to stop greenhouse gas emissions, scientists predicted Wilkins would collapse in 30 years. It is collapsing in half that time. And behind it, the massive ice on top of the continent of Antarctica would drown most coasts worldwide.
But, long before that scenario occurs, the melting of Wilkins and other ice shelves, plus the worldwide horrifically accelerated melting of glaciers, are discharging unprecedented amounts of fresh water into our oceans, measurably diluting their pH levels.
It is the proper balance of fresh and salt water that keeps our ocean currents moving and allows for tiny crustaceans at the bottom of the food chain to form their shells. Scientists have already reported that the shells of these tiny creatures are disintegrating. It is one thing to threaten the top of the food chain, but to eliminate the bottom of the food chain is catastrophic and irreversible.
We humans, ultimately, are at the top of every food chain, and we humans are irrevocably destroying our own very sustenance.
CLYDIA DAVENPORT
West Roxbury
