Impact of climate change on the Arctic Region

Question 1

Temperature rises?

Answer 1

Average Artic temperatures have risen at x2 the rate of the rest of the world (3-4°c in the last 50 years)
Over the next 100 years they are expected to rise a 3-5°c over land and 7°c over the oceans

Question 2

Albedo effect

Answer 2

Suffers from positive feedback (albedo effect) – small increases in snow and ice raise the surface reflectivity so more solar energy is reflected back into space. By an increase in global temperature = snow and ice melting less radiation is reflected = more ice melts = vicious cycle

Question 3

Impacts: natural systems

Answer 3

Vegetation shifts- impacts of food webs.
Warmer growing season = growth of agriculture.
Permafrost thawing – up to 40% expected to thaw releasing huge amounts of methane. Melting to cause new wetlands and impact on species.
Increased fires and insects –increase in insect caused tree
death = loss of valuable habitats.
UV impacts – Increase UV reaching the surface = loss of
snow and ice. Destroys phytoplankton as the base of the
marine food web.

Question 4

Impacts: Animal species

Answer 4

Northward species shift –shift north with the forests
= decline in some species.
Marine species – those dependant on sea ice e.g.
polar bears will decline/extinct. Birds to have different migration patterns.
Land species – many species that have adapted to the
artic climate are at risk e.g. artic fox, vole.

Question 5

Impacts: Society

Answer 5

Loss of hunting culture and decline of food security for
indigenous population.
Need for herd animals e.g. reindeer to change their
migration routes.
Decline in northern freshwater fisheries but enhanced marine fisheries e.g. cod to warmer waters.
Increased access for marine shipping but disruption of
land-based transport due to permafrost thawing.
Enhanced agriculture and forestry.
New land and open sea so Artic becomes more accessible
= exploitation for oil, gas, fish etc.