News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Ice Loss Could Last Long After Temperatures Fall

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

A new report warns that some ice loss could last for generations, even if global temperatures fall after a period of higher warming. The report was released on November 2 by an international group of ice scientists working with the UN Environment Programme.

The researchers studied the risks of temperatures rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and later coming down. This temporary crossing is known as an overshoot.

Melting ice sheets and glaciers can raise sea levels, while the loss of mountain ice can affect water supplies. The authors say some changes could be difficult or impossible to reverse on human timescales.

They also say reducing emissions can limit future losses. Some glaciers and sea ice could begin to recover over decades or centuries if temperatures fall, although recovery would vary.

Source: International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, 2026-11-02. https://iccinet.org/overshoot/

Read and practise

1. What does “overshoot” mean in the report?

   1. Warming falls below earlier levels before rising to 1.5°C.
   2. Warming passes 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and later comes down.
   3. Warming stays at exactly 1.5°C without changing.

2. What can the loss of mountain ice affect?

   1. Water supplies
   2. The timing of high and low tides
   3. The salt content of rainwater

3. What does the report say about the recovery of ice?

   1. Every glacier will return immediately once temperatures fall.
   2. No glacier or sea ice can ever recover under any conditions.
   3. Some glaciers and sea ice could begin to recover if temperatures fall.

Your turn

Explain what an overshoot is and why falling temperatures may not undo every effect quickly.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/climate-overshoot-glaciers-ice-report-november-2026/level-2/