The Arctic tundra plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. It acts as a massive carbon sink, takes in more carbon than it emits, and soothes the global climate. However, with the advent of global warming, the tundra, and the rest of the Arctic region, is increasingly subject to numerous and serious environmental threats, making it a highly endangered region. This article will analyse how global warming affects the Arctic tundra and will demonstrate the devastating global impact of these climate changes.
As global temperatures rise, the Arctic tundra’s natural balance is being disrupted. The warming of the atmosphere and ocean will cause the ice and snow in the tundra to melt, resulting in the tundra losing its protective insulating layer from the harsher temperatures. In turn, this leads to a higher risk of flooding and permafrost thawing and leaves the area vulnerable to storms, erosion and landslides. This is already clearly illustrated by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Arctic, such as the massive wildfire in Siberia in 2020.
The melting of the ice and snow also has significant consequences for the Arctic wildlife and the ecosystem. The animals and insects inhabiting the tundra are highly vulnerable to changes in the environment, while they cannot compete with the influx of other species into the area as the region warms up. Research by the WWF has demonstrated that the rising temperatures have resulted in species shifting their geographic ranges and alterations in the patterns of their lifecycles. Additionally, the decline of sea ice affects the food chain in the Arctic, as fish and other sea creatures, who depend on the ice for food and shelter, are struggling to adapt to the new environment to survive.
Deforestation and pollutants, often contributed by human activities, have made the situation worse. These activities have caused an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed by the tundra and the Arctic atmosphere, exacerbating the effects of global warming.
Global warming in the Arctic tundra has also had an immediate and observable impact on humans elsewhere in the world. The melting of the Arctic ice is causing the sea levels to rise, putting coastal communities at risk of flooding and destruction. Furthermore, the increased temperatures in the region is driving away some of the key resources that people depend on, such as fish, plants, minerals and water. As a result, local communities from Russia to Greenland are suffering from economic hardship and food insecurity.
Scientists have warned that these effects may soon become irreversible, and the only way to protect the Arctic tundra is for governments and organisations to work together in order to decrease the amount of carbon output and deforestation, as well as developing adaptation strategies such as planting trees and restoring permafrost. To build a more sustainable future for the Earth, individuals can start at home by reducing their energy consumption and choosing sustainable products.
The Arctic tundra is an invaluable area of the planet, and global warming has inflicted severe damage upon it. However, out of this severe damage arises an opportunity to make drastic and meaningful changes. If people are prepared to take actions and support organisations with initiatives to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable species, the Arctic tundra might be saved.
