​Gates of Arctic

Environmental Change

 

       Arctic ecosystems are highly restricted by low temperatures and permafrost. Huge quantities of carbon have accumulated in the soil in the form of frozen or buried organic deposits. Scientists believe that these layers of organic materials are a potential source of major emissions of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). If the permafrost melts, these organic materials will break down more rapidly and there will be dramatic increases in emissions of carbon dioxide and methane. This is one example of a so-called “positive feedback effect” where a warmer climate leads to increased emissions of greenhouse gases, further reinforcing the greenhouse effect. Arctic warming has already resulted in an increase in net emissions of carbon dioxide and methane and is contributing to increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon. 

 

       A warmer climate will have a major impact on the Arctic and result in major changes for plant and animal species. Melting permafrost will cause large quantities of methane and carbon dioxide to be released, boosting global temperatures already on the rise. There will be major changes in the composition of plant communities. Southern plant species will migrate northwards and suppress existing plants, affecting the species that depend on them. Insects responsible for pollination are one example of the coexistence that will be threatened. Changes in access to nutritious plants (both in time and space) will be decisive for herbivores such as musk oxen and reindeer. Changes in the success of birds’ nesting patterns will be decisive for how migratory birds cope with climate change. The future for fish stocks depends on sea temperatures and algae blooms that are an essential source of food. Arctic waters will become more acidic as CO2 uptake increases, negatively affecting calcareous organisms. Retreating sea ice is a major threat to most seal species and walruses. These predictions aside, scientists cannot describe exactly how climate change will affect the Arctic. We will only obtain precise knowledge about climate change effects as they occur, by which time it will be too late. Only immediate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions can prevent catastrophic and irreversible change, so action is required now.