The importance of the Arctic for climate protection

The importance of the Arctic for climate protection

The Arctic plays a crucial role in global climate protection and is often seen as an early warning system for climate change. Their unique, delicate ecosphere not only provides habitat for a variety of animal species, but also acts as a source and reservoir for greenhouse gas emissions. In this article we highlight the diverse importance of the Arctic for climate protection.

The Arctic as a heat regulator of the planet

The albedo effect

The Arctic has acted as the planet's heat regulator for millions of years, with a feature known as the albedo effect. This refers to the ice cap's ability to reflect sunlight and therefore help maintain global temperatures. Ice and snow surfaces reflect up to 90% of incoming solar radiation, while dark surfaces such as oceans reflect only 6% and absorb the rest. This means that as the Arctic warms and the associated loss of ice and snow occurs, more heat is absorbed by the ocean, leading to further warming - a process known as positive feedback.

Ocean currents

The Arctic also influences global ocean currents, called thermohaline circulation, which transport warm and cold water masses throughout the planet's oceans. Scientists warn that loss of Arctic sea ice due to climate change could disrupt these global currents and further destabilize the climate system.

Effects of the Arctic on greenhouse gases

Carbon sinks

The Arctic also plays an important role in controlling global carbon emissions. The vast areas of permafrost in the Arctic store about a third of the Earth's total carbon. Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that traps large amounts of organic material that, if broken down naturally, would release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Methane release

Another threat is the release of the powerful greenhouse gas methane. Methane is often stored in the form of methane hydrates in the seabed and permafrost. Warming of the Arctic could release these gases, further increasing global warming.

Effects of Arctic climate change on animals and humans

Animal life

Wildlife in the Arctic is particularly vulnerable to changes in climate. Many Arctic species such as polar bears, walruses and various seal species are heavily dependent on sea ice. They use it as a platform for hunting, breeding and resting. Changes in sea ice, both in extent and thickness, can have dramatic effects on these species.

native

For the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, the impacts of climate change are even more direct. Their cultures and lifestyles are closely linked to the land and its resources, and warming threatens the natural foundations of life in the Arctic. Migratory patterns of hunting animals are changing, and the landscape on which they hunt, fish and gather is changing and becoming less safe.

Arctic exploration and protection

The Arctic is a difficult region to explore due to the extreme conditions and remoteness. But with advances in technology and the increasing urgency of climate change, scientific research in the Arctic is becoming increasingly relevant. Satellite imaging, underwater robots and other technological developments have made it possible to more closely observe and understand changes in the Arctic.

However, despite its crucial influence on climate protection, the Arctic is very distant from most political decision-makers and population groups. In order to protect the Arctic and its key functions, a global rethink and action is required. It is important to limit the scope of anthropogenic climate impacts and understand the vulnerability of the Arctic to these changes.

Overall, the Arctic is essential for climate protection. It is a crucial heat and carbon store and habitat for numerous animal species and several indigenous communities. Despite its remote location and extreme conditions, it has a strong impact on the global climate system and our daily lives. The sustainable preservation and protection of the Arctic should therefore have the highest priority. A profound understanding of their ecosystem dynamics and consistent action based on this knowledge are necessary to be able to meet the challenges of climate change globally.