CONSEQUENCES OF HOTTEST ARCTIC SUMMER

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The 2023 summer in the Arctic was the warmest on record and the region has been warming nearly four times faster than the global average since 1979. This has been highlighted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual Arctic Report Card, a peer-reviewed analysis conducted by 82 scientists from 13 countries.

EXPLANATION:

The report has highlighted 5 major consequences of the rising temperatures in the Arctic region:

1. Thawing Of Subsea Permafrost
2. Food Insecurity
3. Raging Wildfires
4. Severe Flooding
5. Greenland Ice Sheet Melting

THAWING OF SUBSEA PERMAFROST

As subsea permafrost thaws, the organic matter within it begins to decay. This decomposition process releases large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide into the surrounding water and atmosphere.

Impact

• Global Warming: The released greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the ongoing trend of global warming.
• Ocean Acidification: Carbon dioxide also leads to ocean acidification, lowering the pH of the ocean. This can have detrimental effects on marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species.

FOOD INSECURITY

Salmon is a crucial part of the traditional diet in many Indigenous cultures, providing essential nutrients and serving as a staple food source.

Impact

• Food crisis: The reduced numbers and size of Chinook and chum salmon represent a significant threat to the food security of Indigenous communities.
• Cultural impact: The decline in salmon populations disrupts the cultural fabric of these communities, impacting their way of life and connection to the land.
• Increase in conflicts: This can also result in conflicts over access to dwindling salmon resources, further straining the relationships between different user groups.

RAGING WILDFIRES

High temperatures and below-average rainfall created favorable conditions for increased instances of wildfires. Canada experienced its worst wildfire season, with over 10 million acres burned in the Northwest Territories.

Impact

• Destruction of Ecosystems: Wildfires lead to the rapid destruction of vegetation and ecosystems which have long-lasting effects on the local flora and fauna.
• Air Quality: The smoke produced by wildfires can travel over long distances, affecting air quality. This poses serious health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Evacuations and Displacement: The need to evacuate two-thirds of the population in the affected territories disrupts communities and places a strain on emergency services.

SEVERE FLOODING

Glacier meltwater caused floods, leading to property damage, and highlighting the tangible consequences of glacial retreat.

Impact

• Property Damage: Flooding, especially when caused by the meltwater from glaciers, can lead to severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses.
• Risk to Lives: Flooding poses a direct threat to human lives. The sudden release of water from a glacial lake can lead to flash floods, putting communities at risk.
• Displacement and Community Disruption: Flooding can force communities to evacuate temporarily or permanently which can weaken the strong community bonding.

GREENLAND ICE SHEET MELTING

The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet has far-reaching consequences, affecting both local and global environments.

Impact

• Sea Level Rise: The Greenland Ice Sheet continues to lose mass, contributing to rising sea levels. Sea level rise poses a global threat to coastal communities and ecosystems.
• Global Climate System: The melting of large ice sheets can disrupt ocean currents and impact global climate systems.
• Local Environmental Changes: The melting of ice alters the local environment in Greenland. This includes changes in the availability of freshwater, affecting ecosystems and wildlife.

CONCLUSION

• Arctic’s vulnerability underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to combat climate change.
• The report highlights the far-reaching consequences of global warming, urging society to take collective action to mitigate these impacts and build resilience in the face of a changing climate.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/arctic-hottest-summer-climate-change-9069590/