Scientific discovery in West Antarctica could put further pressure on the world to rapidly lower emissions

An international team is going on an expedition to drill into the ice sheet - to discover the ocean temperature necessary for it to melt.

It's estimated the ice sheets' melting could raise sea levels by metres more than already anticipated, devastating coastal communities.

GNS Science environment and climate leader Richard Levy says urgent action will be required if the ice sheet is highly sensitive.

He says if there's more wiggle room - that's good news - but we cannot take our eye off the ball with critical emissions reduction actions.