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Consequences of Arctic Thawing

 
Photo: Bernd Dittrich

Climate change in the Arctic is a pressing issue. While much attention is given to the melting of glaciers itself, it is also crucial to follow its consequences.

Although climate change may offer certain advantages to Arctic states, such as improved navigation through Arctic seas, it is crucial to highlight the negative impacts.

In some instances, there are certain benefits, such as enhanced shipping opportunities, while in others, like the migration of animals, the effects are less clear. However, minor environmental changes may often result in disastrous consequences.

A Few Words on the Commercialisation of the NSR

Experts estimate that the extent of ice cover in the Arctic is now half of what it was 50 years ago. This correlates with a significant increase in cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which has risen 36 times since 2012. While many experts believe that thawing supports the NSR, two important nuances must be noted:

  1. There remains a high demand for icebreakers; even a 50% reduction in ice cover is insufficient.
  2. Although navigability increases, the shipping season may shorten progressively, as evidenced by recent studies on the Northwest Passage.

Thus, we may see the ongoing commercialisation of the route as an indirect indicator of climate change and we will probably see how environment will change along with the growing demand in the NSR.

Now we should touch the details in the Northern nature that signify the climate change.

Giant Viruses Exposed

Recently, a peculiar search, or rather 'hunt', has commenced for giant viruses. These viruses have been discovered at depths of 25 metres in the sea and within fossils from the Yakutian permafrost. Their size is indeed 'giant'—they can be observed using a light microscope, similar to bacteria.

Currently, there is limited information regarding the study of these viruses, but it is suggested that some may act as pathogens for humans and mammals. Microbiologists have noted that their DNA bears resemblance to that of viruses responsible for respiratory illnesses.

CO2-Emitting Microbes

The small organisms directly illustrate the rapid pace of climate change. Many of these microbes are now being studied due to the exposure of previously frozen areas as glaciers melt.

Carbon dioxide-emitting microbes in the Arctic have been discovered as glaciers recede. These microbes thrive in a relatively stable environment and, according to recent studies, may release increased amounts of CO2. The alarming fact is that the Arctic tundra is thawing four times faster than other regions (with Svalbard experiencing warming at a rate seven times faster than the global average).

As glaciers melt, more soil is exposed to sunlight, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. Notably, these microbes are sheltered from the wind, as the pockets within glaciers provide a protective environment.

Microscopic Fungi Enhance Carbon Storage

Another intriguing finding involves a recent study on microscopic fungi in Svalbard.

According to the research, fungi establish pioneer ecosystems, being the first to colonise soil exposed to sunlight. Scientists assert that fungi play a vital role in carbon storage (as opposed to its release) and lay the groundwork for future plant life that could utilise this carbon.

Changing Habitats of Flora and Fauna in the Arctic

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A notable discovery was made during the Vostok-77 expedition, led by the Russian Academy of Sciences. This provides evidence for the hypothesis of 'petal thawing.' According to this theory, global warming is unevenly distributed, creating corridors—petals—50-200 kilometres wide that facilitate the migration and survival of southern species in the Arctic. For instance, southern species of spiders and herons are now being observed in the High North.

In terms of flora, there have been reports of more 'southern' plants appearing in the Arctic. For example, cloudberries have been seen in Svalbard following an unusually warm summer in 2023.

Interestingly, these berries set from flowers, a phenomenon that had not previously occurred.

Increasing Risks of Wildfires in Other Regions

The catastrophic wildfires in Siberia are still fresh in our memories. Research by climatologists has demonstrated that the loss of sea ice in the Arctic heightens the risk of wildfires in Siberia. They have identified a correlation between the decline in sea ice and the frequency of wildfires, linking this risk to an increase in vapour pressure deficit.

Furthermore, the geography of wildfires appears to be shifting northward each year. The escalating scale of wildfires also results in higher levels of pollutants and carbon dioxide.

While we have only touched upon a few effects of climate change, a discernible pattern emerges, progressing from the smallest to the largest impacts. This pattern is relevant to many other factors contributing to environmental change in the region.

Although it may seem that events in the Arctic remain isolated due to how distant the region is, time will reveal new dangers and risks for the world, stemming from seemingly minor changes that we should most definitely pay closer attention to.

Dmitry Tarasov

 
24.07.2024