Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - The average annual temperature in the Arctic has increased by about 2°C (3.6°F) since the late 19th century, which is more than twice the global average.
- The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet.
Sea Ice
- Arctic sea ice has declined by about 13% per decade since 1979, and the rate of decline has accelerated in recent years.
- The Arctic Ocean will be ice-free in September by the middle of this century.
- The loss of sea ice is exposing large areas of dark open water, which absorbs more heat from the sun and further warms the Arctic.
Permafrost
- Permafrost, which is ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, is thawing at an accelerating rate in the Arctic.
- About one-third of the Arctic's permafrost is projected to thaw by the end of this century, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Glaciers
- Arctic glaciers are melting at an alarming rate.
- The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting at a rate of about 286 gigatons per year, which is equivalent to about 1 millimeter of global sea level rise per year.
Vegetation
- The Arctic is becoming greener as a result of climate change.
- Shrubs and trees are moving north into areas that were previously too cold for them to grow.
- This could have feedback effect, as vegetation releases water vapor into the atmosphere which further warms the Arctic.
Wildlife
- Arctic wildlife is being negatively impacted by climate change.
- Polar bears, seals, and walruses are all losing their habitat and food sources as the Arctic sea ice melts.
- Many Arctic bird species are also declining in population due to habitat loss and changes in food availability.
The Arctic is changing at an unprecedented rate, and the impacts of these changes are being felt around the world. It is crucial that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change in order to protect the Arctic and its unique ecosystems.