Climate change and its effects on the Arctic

Climate change and its effects on the Arctic

climate change is a global phenomenon that has far -reaching effects on the entire biosphere. A region that is hit particularly hard is the Arctic. Here the consequences of climate change apply particularly quickly and visible. The thaw of permafrost floors, the melting of glaciers and the back of the sea ice are just a few of the diverse changes that take place in the Arctic.

climate change and the Arctic: what happens?

temperature rise in the Arctic

One of the most striking effects of climate change on the Arctic is the increasing temperature. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the temperatures in the Arctic increase more than twice as quickly as the global average. Such rapid warming leads to significant changes in the entire Arctic region.

shrinking sea ice

Sea ice cream plays a crucial role in the climate system because it reflects the solar radiation. With the warming of the Arctic, however, the expansion of the sea ice is decreasing. This process is self -reinforcing, since less ice means that more dark water absorbs the solar radiation, which leads to further warming. This phenomenon is referred to as ice-albedo decoupling.

Tauende permafrost floors

Permafrost floors store huge amounts of carbon. This carbon is released with the thawing of these floors, either as a carbon dioxide or in the form of methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas. This leads to further reinforcement of global climate change.

effects on the flora and fauna

resilient arctic species are in danger

The rapid environmental change is a serious threat to the continued existence of many types that have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Arctic for thousands of years. As a prominent example, the polar bear, which is dependent on the sea ice, is to hunt seals.

shift in habitats

The warming leads to a shift in habitats for both animals and plants. Species that are dependent on cold conditions are forced to move further north or shift to higher locations to survive.

species introduced by climate change

When heated, some outdoor or new settlers that can spread into previously inaccessible regions also benefit. These species now threaten the local species that are not adapted to the new competition or prey.

effects on the human communities

threat to indigenous communities

Many indigenous communities, whose lifestyle has been closely linked to their natural environment for centuries, face enormous challenges. The warming and melting of the permafrost destroy their hunting and fishing grounds and thus threaten their livelihood and their culture.

economic effects

However, the warming of the Arctic also offers opportunities. The decline in the ice opens new sea routes such as the northwest or northeast passage, which could significantly shorten freight traffic between Europe and Asia. In addition, raw materials such as oil, natural gas and minerals attract. These options have already led to a “race for the Arctic”, in which several national and international players compete for the exploitation of resources.

conclusion

Climate change and its effects on the Arctic are profound and wide. They range from the physical change in the landscape to the loss of biodiversity to considerable human and economic effects. What happens in the Arctic is emblematic for the global challenges that climate change brings. It is important that we understand these changes and take measures to alleviate their effects and to protect the Arctic as a unique ecosystem.