The importance of the Arctic for climate protection

The importance of the Arctic for climate protection

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

The Arctic as a warmer controller of the planet

The albedo effect

The Arctic has been working as a warmer controller of the planet for millions of years, with a function known as an albedo effect. This refers to the ability of the ice cap to reflect sunlight and thus contribute to maintaining global temperatures. Ice and snow surfaces reflect up to 90% of the incident solar radiation, while dark surfaces such as oceans only reflect 6% and absorb the rest. This means that the warming of the Arctic and the associated decline in the ice and snow, more heat is absorbed by the ocean, which leads to further warming - a process, known as a positive feedback.

sea currents

The Arctic also influences the global sea currents, called thermohald circulation, which transports warm and cold water masses through the oceans of the entire planet. Scientists warn that the loss of the Arctic sea ice is disturbing these global currents due to climate change and the climate system could further destabilize.

Effects of the Arctic on the greenhouse gases

carbon lowering

The Arctic also plays an important role in the control of global carbon emissions. The huge permafrost surfaces of the Arctic store about a third of the entire carbon of the earth. Permafrost is permanently frozen soil, which includes large amounts of organic material that, if it was broken down naturally, would release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

methane release

Another threat is the release of the strong greenhouse gas methane. Methan is often stored in the form of methane hydrates in the sea floor and in permafrost. By heating the Arctic, these gases could be released, which further increases global warming.

effects of arctic climate change on animal and human

animal life

The animal world in the Arctic is particularly susceptible to changes in the climate. Many arctic species such as polar bears, walruses and various types of seals are heavily dependent on the sea ice. They use it as a platform to hunt, reproduce and rest. Changes in sea ice, both in the expansion and the thickness, can have dramatic effects on these species.

indigenous people

For the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, the effects of climate change are even more direct. Their cultures and lifestyles are closely linked to the country and its resources, and warming threatens the natural livelihoods in the Arctic. Migratory patterns of hunting animals change, and the landscape on which they hunt, fish and collect changes and becomes more uncertain.

research and protection of the Arctic

The Arctic is a difficult region to explore due to the extreme conditions and seclusion. However, with progress 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 observe and understand the changes in the Arctic.

Overall, the Arctic is indispensable for climate protection. It is a crucial heat and carbon storage and habitat for numerous animal species as well as several indigenous communities. Despite her secluded location and extreme conditions, it has a strong influence on the global climate system and our daily life. The sustainable preservation and protection of the Arctic should therefore be a top priority. A profound understanding of their ecosystem dynamics and consistent action based on this knowledge are necessary in order to be able to counter the challenges of climate change globally.