The Artic region is the area around the North Pole, described as an ocean surrounded by land. Snow and ice covered the far North, and the more southern parts are covered by boreal forest and in between lies the tundra. [1] The Artic is home to a large number of plants and animals and people that survive some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. [2]
Climate change, pollution and the ongoing resource exploitation has placed increasing stress on the fragile populations and ecosystems. [3]
Some key changes key changes in the Artic are:
a. Recent records of rising temperatures.
Recent records of rising temperatures, melting glaciers, sea ice and permafrost and rising sea levels are a clear indication that there is a warming trend …show more content…
Throughout the past thirty years the average area covered by sea ice has decreased by about 8%, an area larger than Denmark, Norway and Sweden combined. [6] The average thickness of the sea ice have suffered some loss as well to the tune of 10-15% over the same time period. The Sea ice is a key climate indicator and an agent of climate change [7] affecting surface reflectivity, cloudiness, humidity, heat exchanges and moisture at the ocean surface and ocean …show more content…
Removing such an apex predator can cause devastating imbalances in an ecosystem. So much so that it could affect our social and economic stability as humans. The bear perform key roles in its habitat (1) helps in the regulation and control of other species populations. Sickness and mass die offs are consistent with overpopulation. [9] A huge population of Artic seal would have a direct effect on the fishing industry, the result of which will affect how much fish you will consume and the price of that goods. [10] (2) A removal of the polar bear could mean the collapse of other species which depend on the kill of bears for their own survival. [11]
The Walrus at risk
The walrus is another artic species at risk. Although great in numbers now the loss of sea ice due to climate change is taking its toll them.
Margret Williams managing director of the World Wildlife Fund’s Artic Programme, said “the walrus were the tip of the trophic iceberg” “The massive concentration of walruses onshore –when they should be scattered broadly in ice covered waters is just one of the example of the impacts of climate change and the distribution of marine species in the Artic”.
Climate change, pollution and the ongoing resource exploitation has placed increasing stress on the fragile populations and ecosystems. [3]
Some key changes key changes in the Artic are:
a. Recent records of rising temperatures.
Recent records of rising temperatures, melting glaciers, sea ice and permafrost and rising sea levels are a clear indication that there is a warming trend …show more content…
Throughout the past thirty years the average area covered by sea ice has decreased by about 8%, an area larger than Denmark, Norway and Sweden combined. [6] The average thickness of the sea ice have suffered some loss as well to the tune of 10-15% over the same time period. The Sea ice is a key climate indicator and an agent of climate change [7] affecting surface reflectivity, cloudiness, humidity, heat exchanges and moisture at the ocean surface and ocean …show more content…
Removing such an apex predator can cause devastating imbalances in an ecosystem. So much so that it could affect our social and economic stability as humans. The bear perform key roles in its habitat (1) helps in the regulation and control of other species populations. Sickness and mass die offs are consistent with overpopulation. [9] A huge population of Artic seal would have a direct effect on the fishing industry, the result of which will affect how much fish you will consume and the price of that goods. [10] (2) A removal of the polar bear could mean the collapse of other species which depend on the kill of bears for their own survival. [11]
The Walrus at risk
The walrus is another artic species at risk. Although great in numbers now the loss of sea ice due to climate change is taking its toll them.
Margret Williams managing director of the World Wildlife Fund’s Artic Programme, said “the walrus were the tip of the trophic iceberg” “The massive concentration of walruses onshore –when they should be scattered broadly in ice covered waters is just one of the example of the impacts of climate change and the distribution of marine species in the Artic”.