Temperatures near the North Pole are right now 20 degrees warmer than it should be The average for this time of year, as reported by several researchers, leaves us dismayed and makes us reflect on the effectiveness of international protocols, meetings and conventions that attempt to address climate change. Often it seems that, instead of taking concrete measures, these meetings result in more words than actions, reminding us of the anti-Roman group in the famous movie Life of Brian.
The Arctic is experiencing its polar night, a period when the sun barely appears on the horizon. This stage is traditionally especially cold, and is when sea ice forms at a faster rate, creating thick layers that will protect the ecosystem during the winter. However, this year temperatures have been significantly warmer than normal, reaching records of up to 7 degrees above average in various areas, as shown by data from weather stations around the North Pole.
This phenomenon is affecting not only temperatures but also the formation of Arctic ice, which is currently advancing much more slowly than it should. Although summer marks the lowest point of the ice cap, around September, the recovery that should begin immediately is being much slower, even slower than in 2012, considered until now one of the years with the lowest volume of Arctic ice recorded.
The scientific community has been surprised by what is happening. In fact, many researchers have expressed their concern on social networks such as Twitter, given that this is the second consecutive year in which the Arctic experiences unusually high temperaturesAt the end of 2015, temperatures in the region even reached melting point due to a large storm that brought warm air masses towards the polar zone.
The link between these anomalies and climate change
This climatic phenomenon is closely related to the climate change globally, according to Jennifer Francis, an Arctic specialist. Extreme weather events, such as this increase in polar temperatures, are becoming more frequent and have a direct link to global warming caused by human activity.
2016 has been rated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the warmest year on record, including not only global warming in general, but also specific events such as the one occurring in the Arctic. The reality we face is worrying; changes in this region of the planet not only affect polar ecosystems, but also have global consequences.
Heat waves at the poles: an alarming phenomenon
The situation at the North Pole is not an isolated event. Experts have observed heat waves at both poles, a phenomenon that has surprised many scientists. In some parts of the Arctic and Antarctic, temperatures have risen by around 40 degrees above normal. In the far north of the planet, temperatures have been close to 0 degrees Celsius at times when they should have been around -20 or -30 degrees.
These heat waves in the Arctic have had devastating consequences, such as the acceleration of ice melting. The melting process of glaciers and sea ice in the Arctic is one of the biggest indicators of climate change. The maximum extent of sea ice is shrinking every year, affecting not only Arctic wildlife but also human communities in the region that depend on this ice for their livelihood.
El ice melting directly affects global ocean circulation, which in turn has an impact on the climate of all regions of the world. According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, heat waves like those developing in the Arctic are becoming more common and could be part of a new climate normal in the region.
Impact on sea ice and biodiversity
Arctic sea ice is critical to regulating the global climate because it acts as a kind of “mirror” that reflects sunlight back into space. As the ice melts and its surface area shrinks, the Earth absorbs more heat, contributing to further global warming. This creates a vicious cycle that worsens climate change.
El sea ice retreat The Arctic's ice also poses a serious threat to the region's biodiversity. Species such as polar bears, seals and arctic foxes depend on the ice for their survival. The disappearance of the Arctic ice means a loss of habitat for these species, which is seriously endangering their existence.
According to scientific data, the polar bear population has decreased by 25% in recent years due to the reduction of their natural habitat. These animals depend on ice shelves for hunting, and without them, their ability to find food is severely affected.
What to expect for the future?
As we head into an uncertain future, climate models predict that the Arctic could become completely ice-free during summers in the coming decades. These changes will not only affect Arctic flora and fauna, but also the global climate, triggering extreme weather events such as heat waves, torrential rainfall and increased climate variability in other parts of the world.
Ocean acidification is another major problem that we are beginning to see. The absorption of carbon dioxide in the water is causing an increase in acidity levels, which seriously affects marine organisms.
Climate change is affecting not only the species that inhabit these areas, but also the human communities that live in the Arctic. Indigenous communities, who rely on the ice for fishing and hunting, are seeing their livelihoods disappear, potentially leading to the extinction of their ways of life. In the future, forced displacement and rising sea levels are expected to wreak havoc on coastal communities across the planet.
Given this scenario, it is crucial to continue researching and taking concrete actions. The situation is alarming, but fortunately we can still implement measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.