Impact of Global Warming on The Poles
The rush of the developed nations to the poles is confounding. Given that the latter’s survival means the overall survival of the planet, it becomes all the more necessary to re-focus on them. Poles have been the reservoirs of fresh water ever since humanity can remember. Let’s pledge to do whatever best we can, in the best interest of them and the humanity.
The signs
It’s not something new. Since the 90’s, scientists and researchers had been warning us about it! And the last straw came, when the largest ice cliff crashed in the high seas surrounding the Antarctic peninsula. The trend began from 2000’s. A whole host of changes, hitherto unknown, have been unleashed by the natural forces on us. But, it is people like you and me who have to equally share the blame.
Location of the permafrost in the Northern hemisphere. Glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet are violet and arctic sea ice is light blue.
What is actually happening?
Just take a look at what scientists have already been pointing to us. If we closely exmaine the poles themselves, irreversible movements are happening at an alarming pace.
- Animals living on the poles are the most affected. Their natural habitats are now in danger more than ever, particularly, the Polar Bears.
- Rivers are gushing, where once there used to be miles of ice. One of the negative impacts of this has been the reduction in the rate of sunlight reflection.
- Bill Fraser, researcher, tells us about the decline in the numbers of Adelie Penguins. It is estimated that since last 30 years, their numbers have reached to an all time low of 11,000 from 32,000.
- Besides the rise in the sea levels, it is the Alpines which have also been affected. This is the reason behind the movement of certain species of butterflies, foxes and other alpine plants towards the northern areas. These areas are deemed to be much cooler than the rest of the areas.
Polar Bear at Cape Churchill (Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada)
Again according to Fraser, sea levels might rise to unprecedented levels. That could be between 7 and 23 inches and with continued melting of poles, this is further expected to rise between 4 and 8 inches.
Other changes
Besides the Arctic Tundras, in Siberia, alarming changes are happening at the ground level. It has been now proved that with the increase in temperatures worldwide, the frozen ground “permafrost” is thawing. This surely, is changing the ground conditions of the region. Plants and trees which were hitherto unknown in these regions, have sprung up from nowhere.
Alpine species are conquering these areas, bringing in with them, other fauna dependent upon these systems. Also, methane, which was locked in the “permafrost”, is being released in the atmosphere. This also contributes in the rise of temperature to unbearable levels.
Overall, the scenario is in for drastic changes. That is if, we don’t do something sooner! It is another matter though, that most of the people think the process is now irreversible.
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