An image of the Arctic released by NASA this month has fueled controversy over global warming because it shows an appreciable increase in glacial ice since last year. People skeptical of climate change are insisting on an “Ice age” theory to explain the increase. Scientists, however, claim that NASA has observed just a temporary phenomenon.
Is the Earth really getting colder? If not, why has ice in the North Pole increased?
NASA’s image shows that the gross area of glacial ice has increased by approximately 60%. Those opposed to climate change science say that it might be a signal of a ‘mini’ Ice age. They claim that climate change patterns over time suggest that Earth will become cold and have supported their theory by pointing to recent cold waves.
However, a majority of scientists are maintaining that the Earth is still getting warmer.
Kim Baek Min, a Senior Research Scientist at the Korea Polar Research Institute, says “Viewing the increase and decrease of glaciers for recent 30 years, this year’s decrease might be just an occasional happening. In the long-run, the glacier will keep decreasing.”
Moreover, scholars have observed that a simple image of the Arctic cannot detail to indicate the thickness of the glacial cover or the weather of the place. Iceberg size is one of the most uncertain types of evidence used to prove global warming, which is a complex process with many aspects.
