How have melting glaciers and ice sheets affected human civilization thus far?

Question

Are less well known cultures already being substantially affected? Are the surprising rates of melting causing residents of certain regions to change how they live?

Answer 1

this is what's such a trip

all human civilization

has taken place

after the last ice age

so whatever we do

as a civilization

there will be an ice age in our future

there was a mini ice age

from 1000 to 1850

we should lighten

our footprint

but that doesn't mean

there won't be an ice age

in our future

it is a cycle

of the earth

something we must accomodate ourselves to

but we don't create

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Answer 2

A couple of low lying Pacific Islands have been destroyed by rising sea levels, and part of New Orleans was wiped out by a super strong hurricane, caused by the more excitable weather.

In ancient history... there are a few cities and temples found deep underwater, that show human civilisation was well under way during the last ice age, and was dealt a near fatal blow by the rising melt water, as  human cities are commonly built on low lying river estuaries. How the new melt water will affect civilisation now I couldn't say, but I wouldn't want to live in Holland.

Answer 3

Ice ages are cyclic.

They recur periodically, as the earth goes through cooling & warming phases.

Scientists predict that by the year 2100, ocean levels will rise 39" (1m). This will flood millions of acres of habitable land, worldwide.