Even the lands of snow feel the heat
Mighty glaciers are melting fast, losing their majestic look
Living species and the economy of the Arctic and Antarctica bear the brunt of soaring temperatures and heatwaves
Climate change and heat waves have significant impacts on Arctic and Antarctic species, as these regions are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and ice coverage.
Polar bears: Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt for their main prey, seals. However, as sea ice melts due to rising temperatures, polar bears are forced to swim longer distances to find food, which can be exhausting and can lead to drowning. Additionally, as the ice retreats further north, polar bears may struggle to find suitable habitats for denning and raising their young.
Polar bear left to starve
Seals and walrus: Seals and walrus also rely on sea ice as a platform for resting, breeding, and raising their young. As ice coverage decreases, these animals may be forced to spend more time in the water, which can increase their vulnerability to predators and limit their access to food.
Seal population plummeting
Penguins: Penguins rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding. Rising temperatures and changes in ocean currents can reduce the availability of food for penguins, which can have negative impacts on their populations. Additionally, as sea ice retreats, penguins may have to travel further to reach their breeding colonies, which can be challenging and increase the risk of predation.
A penguin without company
Other species: Many other Arctic and Antarctic species, such as Arctic foxes, reindeer, krill, and penguins are also vulnerable. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the availability of food and habitats, which can impact the survival and reproduction of these species.
Arctic fish: The Arctic is home to a wide range of fish species, including Arctic char, cod, and salmon. As sea ice melts and water temperatures rise the Arctic warms forcing fish populations to shift further north. This causes changes in food webs and competition for resources.
Antarctic fish: Antarctic fish, such as the Antarctic cod, are adapted to survive in extremely cold temperatures. As the water warms, the amount of oxygen available to fish may decrease, which can impact their growth and survival.
Coral fish: The Arctic and Antarctic regions are home to unique coral communities, which provide habitats for a variety of fish species. Increases in water temperatures cause bleaching of coral reefs and their decline.
Ailing economy
The loss of habitat, fisheries, and big game animals has not only affected the subsistence practices of Arctic communities, but also their economies. The tourism industry, which is an important source of income for many Arctic communities, has also been impacted by changes in the environment. Here are some examples:
Fisheries: Arctic fisheries have been impacted by the loss of sea ice, which has changed the distribution and abundance of fish species. For example, the cod stocks in the Barents Sea have shifted northward and this has had adverse impacts on the fishing industry in Norway and Russia.
Tourism: Arctic tourism is an important source of income for many communities, but it has been impacted by changes in the environment. For example, the loss of sea ice has made it more difficult for cruise ships to navigate the region, which has led to a decline in the number of tourists. In addition, the loss of habitat and wildlife has made it more difficult for tour operators to offer wildlife viewing experiences.
Infrastructure: The melting of permafrost, which is caused by rising temperatures, is causing infrastructure damage in Arctic communities. This includes damage to roads, buildings, and other infrastructure.
Chilling data
According to a report by the Arctic Council, the economy of the Arctic is projected to grow at a slower rate than the global economy over the next few decades.
There is no single 'Arctic economy' with comprehensive data available, as the region encompasses several countries and a diverse array of industries and communities. However, here are some statistics and trends that give an overview of the Arctic economy and its relationship with climate change:
GDP: The Arctic region accounts for approximately 6% of the combined GDP of the eight Arctic countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States), which was estimated to be around $ 2.6 trillion in 2018. However, this figure includes a wide range of industries and economic activities, and not all of them are directly tied to the Arctic region.
Employment: The Arctic region is home to approximately 4 million people, many of whom are employed in industries like mining, oil and gas, shipping, and fishing. According to a report by the Arctic Economic Council, these industries together account for approximately 12% of employment in the Arctic.
Fishing: Fishing is one of the most important industries in the Arctic, and it supports the livelihoods of many indigenous communities in the region. According to the same report by the Arctic Economic Council, the total value of fish landed in the Arctic region was estimated to be around $2.2 billion in 2015.
Oil and gas: The Arctic is estimated to hold significant reserves of oil and gas, and exploration and extraction in the region has been a major source of revenue for many Arctic countries. However, the industry has also been impacted by the effects of climate change, such as the loss of sea ice and the increasing cost of maintaining infrastructure in the region.
Tourism: Tourism is a growing industry in the Arctic, and it has the potential to support sustainable economic development in the region. According to a report by the Arctic Council, the number of tourists visiting the Arctic increased from approximately 250,000 in 2000 to around 1.5 million in 2017. However, the industry has also been impacted by the effects of climate change, such as the loss of sea ice and changes in the distribution of wildlife.
The lands of snow would rather miss a warm hug.
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