The collapse of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” could lead to catastrophic sea-level rise, potentially flooding cities like New York, London, and Bangkok.
The threat of rising sea levels is becoming more urgent as scientists warn that the collapse of Antarctica’s “Doomsday Glacier” could submerge major cities around the world. Thwaites Glacier, located in West Antarctica, holds enough frozen water to raise global sea levels by over two feet. However, experts say if the glacier completely collapses, it could lead to a disastrous chain reaction, triggering a rise of up to 10 feet in sea levels — enough to flood iconic cities like London, New York, and Bangkok.
These cities, which are home to millions of people and attract tourists from around the world, could face catastrophic flooding if the worst-case scenario unfolds. The potential impact of this collapse could reshape global coastlines, economies, and disrupt millions of lives.
The Hidden Danger Beneath Thwaites Glacier
Scientists have been closely monitoring Thwaites Glacier as part of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), which was launched in 2018 to better understand the glacier’s stability. New research has revealed that the glacier is hiding “subglacial lakes” beneath its surface, which could be playing a more significant role in its potential collapse than previously thought.
Have you heard about the Thwaites Glacier, aka the Doomsday Glacier?
It’s melting rapidly, and scientists are warning that its collapse could mean global flooding and disaster.
Here's what's happening and how supply chains can adapt: pic.twitter.com/LR3iD7kbxn
— Glenn Koepke (@LogTech1999) December 23, 2024
A 2025 study led by Professor Noel Gourmelen, a member of the ITGC, found that these hidden lakes are accelerating the glacier’s ice loss. The water draining from these lakes is significantly impacting the glacier’s stability, contributing to a faster retreat. “The sheer magnitude of this lake drainage gave us the opportunity to observe and quantify its impact,” explained Gourmelen.
This phenomenon, coupled with higher-than-expected temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere in 2025, suggests that Thwaites could be melting at an alarming rate.
Rising Sea Levels: What’s at Stake?
Dr. Alastair Graham, a marine geologist at the University of South Florida and ITGC member, explained the severity of the situation: “If Thwaites Glacier collapses, it would cause a rise of around 65cm (25 inches) in sea level.” He added that the current data indicates a rapid change: “This year is really different. It’s very difficult to recover from this in one season. The game has changed.”
Although the full collapse of the glacier may still be decades or centuries away, the most recent data suggests that the tipping point could arrive much sooner than expected. If this occurs, the consequences for global coastlines and economies could be irreversible.
What’s Next?
While the full collapse of Thwaites Glacier may not be imminent, the latest findings paint a worrying picture of how quickly the glacier is deteriorating. If scientists’ predictions hold true, we may be facing an unprecedented environmental crisis that requires urgent global attention and action to mitigate its effects.
