A large portion of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice sheets, a majority of which are in Antarctica and Greenland. Worldwide, glaciers and ice sheets are melting due to global warming which is the largest contributor to rising sea levels. According to NASA, "if all glaciers and ice sheets melted, global sea level would rise by more than 60 meters." 

As glacier's melt, the water flows into the ocean's and raises the sea level world wide. This rise in sea levels leads to extreme flooding, increased storm surges, and the displacement of many coastal communities. In addition, the Earth's ice helps regulate the planet's temperature by reflecting heat back into space. Less ice means less heat is reflected back into space, adding onto rising temperatures around the globe. Lastly, the melting of glaciers and sea ice has a huge impact on wildlife. Animals that rely on the ice to survive must either adapt or face extinction. As the ice melts and ocean temperatures rise, fish are relocating affecting a food resource for both wildlife and humans. Read below to learn about two of the most affected animals.