Scientists have identified an atmospheric phenomenon that could accelerate the melting of Arctic ice in the coming decades, with potentially catastrophic consequences for communities around the world.
What is happening?
Melting sea ice in the Arctic is a growing concern, as rising global temperatures, due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exacerbate the problem.
However, since 2012, Arctic sea ice has been melting more slowly than expected.
The university said in a report that a team of researchers led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology attributed this slowdown to a weather pattern known as the North Atlantic Oscillation, which traps cold air in the region. press releaseShared by Phys.org.
Research published in the magazine Nature CommunicationsHe explained that the long-term pattern of declining temperature and humidity in the Arctic has helped prevent catastrophic ice melting since 2012.
However, scientists expect this phenomenon to continue only until 2030 to 2040, at which point ice melting is likely to accelerate again.
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“In the absence of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, we may face a series of climate and environmental crises caused by a sharp decline in Arctic sea ice after a decade or so,” the researchers wrote.
Why is melting sea ice in the Arctic a concern?
Sea levels are rising as Arctic sea ice melts, leading to problems ranging from beach erosion to increasingly eroded beaches. Severe storms.
Coastal communities are particularly at risk of increased flooding, which may lead to displacement. As home insurance companies withdraw coverage or change policy terms to avoid paying out damages related to severe weather, the financial losses to homeowners can be enormous.
Extreme weather conditions also threaten food supplies, as floods can make it difficult for farmers to grow crops due to waterlogging and excessive salinity. Rising sea levels are also disrupting marine ecosystems, posing a threat to the world’s seafood supply.
In addition, the paper’s authors point out that melting Arctic ice is affecting shipping routes, which could have major implications for the global economy.
What can be done about the melting ice in the Arctic?
Melting ice in the Arctic is a complex phenomenon, and researchers are working to advance scientific knowledge about this phenomenon Warming world.
However, one concrete way to stave off the devastating effects of rising sea levels is to stop burning dirty fuels that emit polluting gases. By switching to renewable energy, people and their governments can help preserve the polar ice caps – and the animals that call them home.
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