How Arctic Warming Impacts the Earth

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When people think of Arctic warming, they usually imagine the tragic videos of polar bears struggling to walk along rapidly melting and shaky glaciers. However, Arctic warming impacts the entire planet, contributing to rising sea levels, extreme weather and varied temperatures. Arctic warming is one of the primary signs of climate change, and communities and governments can help slow it down in many ways.

How Arctic Warming Works

A variety of factors cause Arctic warming. The main one is sea ice melting. As the ice melts, it clears the ocean’s view of the sun. The water absorbs the heat, since the bright ice is not there to reflect it. Then, the sea radiates heat and causes more ice to melt, creating a loop of warming. The atmosphere is also thinner in the Arctic, so it does not take much to warm it once it starts.

The warmer temperatures make the remaining sea ice thinner and less hospitable to local wildlife, leading them to relocate or their populations to decrease. Many unique animals thrive in the Arctic, and they are sensitive to rapid changes in their habitat. Additionally, Greenland has a large ice sheet that is losing mass as the Arctic gets hotter. With this structure lessening, global sea levels will rise and impact coastal communities.

The Effects of Arctic Warming

The ramifications of Arctic warming are numerous. It will impact the local communities first and then transfer globally until the entire planet feels the effects. The following are some specific shifts as the Arctic heats up.

Local Impacts

Indigenous communities in the Arctic are one of the first groups of humans affected. They rely on the sea ice for hunting, fishing and herding local animals. As the ice melts, it prevents them from using these prime grounds for their daily routines, hindering their culture and food security. They also travel along the ice, but it becomes increasingly dangerous as it melts, preventing them from visiting other communities.

Another local impact of Arctic warming is on the wildlife. Plenty of animals depend on the sea ice for survival, including polar bears, walruses and seals. Polar bears hunt across the ice, but melting ice can cause them to fall into the water or stop traveling altogether. Walruses and seals rely on the water, but they are unused to the warmer seas. The fish within the warming ocean are accustomed to the cold as well, so they are struggling to transition to the new temperatures.

A final local effect of Arctic warming is the melting of the permafrost. Permafrost is supposed to be permanent ice, but it is melting due to rising Arctic temperatures. Critical structures, such as buildings and pipelines, rely on the permafrost. As it melts, these buildings struggle to withstand the pressure. If pipelines collapse, they release various greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. However, local communities are making efforts to combat these issues and hopefully slow this process down.

Global Impacts

Beyond local areas, Arctic warming impacts the entire planet. The Greenland ice sheet and other large expanses of ice melt and cause the sea level to rise. Coastal communities will be the first to experience this, as sea levels could cause flooding and necessitate relocations. People with beach houses or sea-related livelihoods will also see the effects.

Arctic warming affects the jet stream, which directly influences extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves and severe winter storms. Wildfires are becoming a global issue in both the Arctic region and globally. The risk of wildfires has increased in the southern areas of the planet, especially in dry, hot climates. Wildfires damage the local wildlife and often harm the local infrastructure, amplifying the need for action.

The Northwest Passage

The opening of the Northwest Passage is another global concern. As Arctic warming melts the ice, the previously frozen Northwest Passage opens up. While this makes it easier for companies to trade with Asia, it could impact local Indigenous communities who live on the land. It presents an economic opportunity, but the reason it opened up in the first place is still concerning. The passage’s domain is still pretty treacherous, so it is unclear if it will be an effective trade route. 

Methods to Slow Arctic Warming

While it may seem bleak, there are still many ways to slow Arctic warming and protect the biodiversity and communities directly impacted. 

Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Companies should significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuels affect the environment, so businesses must transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind. It also makes the company more desirable to climate-conscious customers who only do business with organizations that demonstrate clear green initiatives. 

Improve Government Regulations

Countries have been working together to combat climate change for a long time, but there needs to be more concrete guidelines to prevent significant impacts. Carbon dioxide is often the most considerable concern during these deliberations. Its levels continue to rise even as rules such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement are put in place. However, government regulations that limit greenhouse gases and other common pollutants can help mitigate Arctic warming. Countries must join the cause to help protect the Arctic.

Aid Local Communities

Arctic communities are trying to help the cause. They are reducing their emissions by switching to green energy and enhancing the region’s air quality. There is some scientific research on Arctic warming, but more concrete, significant research is needed to inform governmental policies. If locals and scientists conduct research and present their findings, officials may create additional environmental regulations.

Lessen Ecological Footprints

Individuals can help reduce Arctic warming by lessening their ecological footprint. Using public transport and recycling are good methods to get started. Recycling can mean properly discarding plastics and aluminum, but it can also mean thrifting instead of purchasing new clothes. Homeowners can utilize solar panels on their roofs to switch to renewable energy. Sometimes, local governments pay residents to help with the transition. If everyone makes little efforts, it could have a global impact.

Protect the Arctic

Arctic warming affects the Earth in many ways, including rising sea levels and higher global temperatures. In an extreme scenario, the Arctic will be iceless in the summer. However, environmental policies and community efforts can reduce this possibility. The Arctic is warming rapidly, but there is still time to slow it down.