Earth lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice from Greenland and Antarctica over 47 years, according to satellite data.

What it means

This is a report on a new scientific analysis, likely a peer-reviewed study, using satellite data to estimate that the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have collectively lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice since 1979 (a 47-year period). The headline figure of 'more than 12 trillion tons' corresponds to approximately 12.5 trillion short tons or 11.3 trillion metric tons, and the loss is attributed mainly to warming ocean waters driving accelerated glacier melt and ice sheet thinning.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is well-supported: the underlying primary source is a research study (likely published in a journal such as *Nature* or *Earth System Science Data*) that synthesizes decades of satellite altimetry and gravimetry data. Multiple reputable outlets (PBS, AP, local news affiliates) all report the same order-of-magnitude figure within hours of each other, indicating the study is recent and has been circulated via a press release or embargo. Minor variations in the exact number (12.5 vs. 12 trillion tons) are due to rounding or unit differences, not substantive disagreement. The provenance tier 'reports a named primary source (reputable secondary)' correctly reflects that Phys.org is summarizing an actual scientific article.

How new