The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, often called the “Doomsday Glacier,” poses a significant threat to global sea levels. Holding enough ice to raise sea levels by more than two feet on its own, the glacier’s complete collapse could trigger a domino effect melting the larger Antarctic ice sheet. This would result in an alarming sea level rise of up to 10 feet—enough to submerge major cities such as London, New York, and Bangkok, putting millions of residents and world-famous landmarks at risk of catastrophic flooding.

Scientists have been closely monitoring Thwaites through the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), which began in 2018. Recent research led by Professor Noel Gourmelen uncovered “hidden lakes” beneath the glacier’s surface, accelerating its ice loss more than previously understood. These subglacial lakes drain massive volumes of water, destabilizing the glacier and causing what Gourmelen described as a “turbo-charged” retreat. This drainage particularly affects key sectors that contribute to the glacier’s rapid melting.

The timing is especially concerning as the Southern Hemisphere experiences higher-than-expected temperatures in 2025. Dr. Alastair Graham from the University of South Florida highlights that this warming exacerbates the glacier’s retreat and complicates recovery, warning that this year’s conditions have “changed the game” for Antarctic ice stability.

Although a full collapse may still be decades or centuries away, recent data suggests the tipping point could come sooner than anticipated. This means rising seas could threaten coastal economies, infrastructure, and millions of people worldwide much earlier than once believed.

The ongoing study of Thwaites Glacier emphasizes the urgent need for global climate action to slow warming trends and prepare vulnerable regions for the potentially devastating impacts of rising seas and more extreme weather caused by polar ice loss.