The Arctic sea ice recently reached its minimum extent, with a measurement of 4.72 million square miles. This record is the 12th lowest on record, with the highest level of ice melting having occurred in 2012. As we approach the end of September, we are at the culmination of the summer sea ice melt season, marking the moment when Arctic sea ice reaches its smallest size. The so-called ‘Last Ice Area’, situated in the frozen north of Greenland, has begun melting sooner than anticipated by scientific experts.
Understanding Sea Ice Cover
Sea ice cover has seen a substantial decrease over recent years, having plummeted by around half from what it was in the 1980s. This drop is largely attributed to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of human activities. In line with this, Arctic sea ice levels have reached their lowest point since 1850 for the annual mean, and the lowest in over 1,000 years for the late summer. These figures come from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which states that, if trends continue, the Arctic could be virtually devoid of sea ice in September at least once by 2050.
Causes of Arctic Ice Melting
Several factors contribute to the rapid melting of Arctic ice. One such factor is the Albedo Feedback Loop, which is due to the increased reflection of sunlight by ice relative to land or water surfaces. Consequently, as global ice cover dwindles, Earth’s surface becomes less reflective, causing more incoming solar radiation to be absorbed, leading to warming.
The darker ocean surface replacing the Arctic’s bright ice decreases the reflection of the sun’s radiation back into space, causing further heating and ice loss. Moreover, cyclones entering the Arctic from Siberia create counterclockwise winds and ice drifts, reducing outflow of sea ice via the Fram Strait, contributing to record low summer sea ice conditions in the Greenland Sea. Low pressure systems also increase cloud cover over Arctic, affecting solar radiation and influencing ice melt.
Impact of Melting Arctic Ice
The melting of the Arctic ice has serious international implications, including global climate change. The Arctic and Antarctic regions regulate the planet’s temperature, offsetting other regions that accumulate heat. The loss of ice and warming waters affect sea levels, salinity levels, and current as well as precipitation patterns, which can greatly threaten coastal cities and islands through rising sea levels and increased potential for flooding.
There is also a growing impact on food security, as polar vortexes, increased heat waves, and unpredictable weather patterns caused by ice melt are already causing significant damage to crops worldwide. Furthermore, the melting of permafrost in the Arctic, which contains large amounts of methane, could lead to a rapid release of this potent greenhouse gas, further exacerbating climate change.
Biodiversity Concerns
The melting of Arctic ice poses a serious threat to the region’s vibrant biodiversity. Species that have evolved to thrive in these cold environments will struggle for survival as the habitat they depend upon disappears.
Looking Ahead
The Arctic environment plays an important role in managing global climate change. Therefore, we must act to address the rapid loss of sea-ice and view this not just as an isolated incident but as a critical global issue. Balancing human activities with the carrying capacity of the environment is an essential step that needs to be taken now to protect this vital ecosystem. This urgent matter of concern for all living beings on Earth requires immediate and effective action.