Not just because it's home to the iconic polar bear, and four million people, but also because it helps keep our world's climate in balance. Arctic sea ice acts as a huge white reflector at the top of the planet, bouncing some of the sun's rays back into space, helping keep the Earth at an even temperature.
- Why is it important to protect the Arctic?
- Why is the Arctic important for the climate?
- Why is the Arctic important to many countries?
- Why is the Arctic important to the economy?
- Did we save the Arctic?
- How do conditions in the Arctic impact human life?
- Why is the Arctic more vulnerable to climate change?
- Why are changes in Arctic ecosystems significant for the rest of the world?
- What are the advantages of the Arctic opening up?
Why is it important to protect the Arctic?
As the Earth warms up, melting Arctic ice will lead to rising sea levels, which will play havoc with our coasts. And global warming in the Arctic may release huge reserves of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. These could speed up the effects of climate change everywhere if they're released.
Why is the Arctic important for the climate?
Why the Arctic Matters for Global Warming And the Arctic helps to regulate the world's temperature, so as more Arctic ice melts the warmer our world becomes. These are the facts: Melting ice speeds up climate change. Global warming is causing Arctic ice to melt – ice reflects sunlight, while water absorbs it.
Why is the Arctic important to many countries?
The region is home to a number of sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems, some of global importance, as the Arctic is a breeding ground for a number of migrating species. More than half of the world's wetlands are in the Arctic and sub-Arctic region.
Why is the Arctic important to the economy?
The economy of the Arctic. The Arctic has been little exploited for economic purposes, but, because it contains 8 percent of the surface of the planet and 15 percent of the land area, significant resources (both renewable and nonrenewable) may be reasonably assumed to be present.
Did we save the Arctic?
Despite the Arctic Ocean's unique vulnerabilities, it is still the least protected of all the world's oceans. Less than 1.5 percent has any form of protected area status. The high seas of the Arctic — which belong to no single nation — are under no form of protection.
How do conditions in the Arctic impact human life?
Arctic people today face many changes to their homes and environment. Climate change is causing sea ice to melt and permafrost to thaw, threatening coastal villages with bigger storms and erosion. And the declining sea ice means that the Arctic Ocean could open up for commercial shipping or tourist cruises.
Why is the Arctic more vulnerable to climate change?
That the Arctic should be especially sensitive to climate change was recognized in the 19th century. The primary reason for this sensitivity is that an initial warming (or cooling) sets in motion a chain of events that amplify the warming or cooling. This chain of events is known as the albedo feedback.
Why are changes in Arctic ecosystems significant for the rest of the world?
Changes in the Arctic climate are important because the Arctic acts as a refrigerator for the rest of the world—it helps cool the planet. So changes in the Arctic climate could affect the climate in the rest of the world.
What are the advantages of the Arctic opening up?
Thawing ice cover: improved ocean access, new trading routes As Arctic ice melts, sea routes will stay navigable for longer periods, which could drastically change international trade and shipping.