The world has only recently started to come to grips with the direct and profound effect human activity is having on the environment. One of the most visible signs of this is the melting of the polar ice caps. The current rate of glacial ice melting is faster than ever before, and recent findings suggest a direct correlation between rising global temperatures and the declining polar ice caps.
In the past forty years, global temperatures have risen by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Sea levels along the coasts have risen by nearly three inches in that same time period. With temperatures continuing to rise, the effects on the polar ice caps, and the environment in general, have become more pronounced. Glacial ice on the Arctic Ocean has decreased by 38%, and the total area of Arctic sea ice has been reduced by an alarming 42%. In Antarctica, researchers have found that large portions of the West Antarctic ice sheet have begun to collapse, with some areas receding up to 40 feet per year.
These losses are not only profound in terms of the sheer amount of ice being lost, but also for the effect it has on the environment, both locally and elsewhere. Polar ice caps act as a reflection for solar energy, shielding the planet from the harmful effects of excessive heat. With the polar ice caps melting and receding, less of the sun’s energy is being reflected back into the atmosphere, which contributes to a buildup of damaging heat. Increased temperatures also cause sea levels to rise, which puts coastal cities, towns, and wildlife refuge areas at increasing risk of flooding and destruction.
In addition to being a primary factor in the global increase of atmospheric temperature, the polar ice caps losing mass has severe consequenses also on polar ecosystems. Wildlife creatures such as polar bears and arctic foxes are highly adapted to the cold temperatures and low sea levels of the polar environment. With the ice caps melting and receding, many species are being forced to alter their habits in order to survive, leading to a decrease in behavior and a decline in population.
On a more positive note, some experts point out that the melting of the polar ice caps can produce a shift in the planet’s geography that may often be considered beneficial. As the ice melts, new regions of the planet will become available for exploration, research, and potential use in human activities. Additionally, the loss of glacial ice will create new trade routes throughout the Arctic, allowing increased access to areas limited by geographical boundaries.
While the global community takes strides to address the increase in temperatures caused by human activity, they haven’t yet been able to replace the already lost polar ice caps. As a result, the effects of global warming continue to place the world’s ecosystems and species at risk. Knowing this, it’s essential for individuals and nations to join together and take action towards reducing emissions and energy sources that contribute to global warming.
